Education
Chronic Kidney Disease: Symptoms, Stages & Treatments
What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs when kidneys are no longer able to clean toxins and waste products from the blood and perform their functions to full capacity. This can happen suddenly or over time.
One of the first things that you should know is about kidney disease stages. Knowing your chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage is important for determining your treatment. CKD has five stages, ranging from nearly normal kidney function (stage 1) to kidney failure or end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), which requires dialysis or a transplant (stage 5). At chronic kidney disease stage 5, kidneys function below 10–15 percent of their normal capacity. Understanding which stage you are at will help you learn how to appropriately manage your kidney disease.
In most cases, ESKD (stage 5) occurs after years of living with kidney disease. Less common is acute kidney failure, which is a sudden compromise of kidney function. Whichever the case may be, when you are diagnosed with ESKD, it is necessary to receive dialysis or a transplant to maintain your good health. DaVita offers many services that can suit your lifestyle.
There are various options to treat ESKD (stage 5). The most common treatment is dialysis. If you and your nephrologist agree on a kidney transplant as a treatment option, you might require dialysis while waiting for the right kidney donation.
Understanding Your Kidneys
Your kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining your body’s overall health. They filter toxins from the blood, balance bodily fluids, regulate blood pressure, and produce essential hormones. Healthy kidneys are vital for keeping your body in balance.
Could You or Someone You Care About Be at Risk for CKD?
Several factors can increase the risk of CKD, including:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Family history of kidney disease
- Age of 55 or greater
If you may be at risk for kidney disease, consider scheduling a kidney screening with your general practitioner as part of your next check-up.
What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Disease?
In the early stages, CKD may have no noticeable symptoms. As it progresses, signs may include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in ankles, feet, or hands
- Changes in urination frequency or appearance
- Back or side pain
- Difficulty concentrating
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.
Assessing Your Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
How Can I Find Out If I Have Kidney Disease?
To determine if you have CKD, your doctor will evaluate your overall health and run several tests:
- Blood Test (eGFR): Measures how well your kidneys are filtering blood. A low eGFR indicates impaired kidney function.
- Urine Test: Checks for the presence of protein or blood, which may be early signs of kidney damage.
- Imaging Tests: Ultrasounds or CT scans can show structural issues in the kidneys.
- Blood Pressure Measurement: High blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney disease, so monitoring it is essential.
If I Have Signs of Kidney Disease, What Should I Do?
If you notice any signs or symptoms of CKD, or if test results indicate early stages of the disease:
- Consult a Nephrologist: A kidney specialist can provide more detailed evaluations and recommend a tailored treatment plan.
- Adopt a Kidney-Friendly Lifestyle: Keep track of your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and any symptoms. Lifestyle changes, such as improving diet and exercising, can help.
- Follow Prescribed Treatments: Your doctor may prescribe medications to control high blood pressure, diabetes, or other conditions that contribute to CKD.
How Often Should I Get Tested for Kidney Disease?
If you are at high risk, regular testing is essential. Your doctor may recommend annual blood and urine tests to monitor your kidney function. Early detection allows for better management and can slow the progression of CKD.
Can CKD Be Prevented or Slowed Down?
While some risk factors, like age and family history, can’t be controlled, lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk. Quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar, and eating a balanced diet can all help in preventing CKD or slowing its progression.
Treatment Options for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
While there is no cure for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), treatments are available to help manage the condition, slow its progression, and improve your quality of life. The type of treatment depends on the stage of CKD and your overall health. Below are some common treatment options.
1. Lifestyle Changes
In the early stages of CKD, making lifestyle adjustments can significantly slow the progression of the disease and support kidney health:
- Dietary Changes: Adopt a kidney-friendly diet that’s low in salt, protein, and phosphorus. Reducing processed foods and eating more fresh fruits and vegetables can help manage symptoms.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help control blood pressure, improve heart health, and maintain a healthy weight, all of which benefit kidney function.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can worsen kidney disease by reducing blood flow to the kidneys. Quitting is an important step to protect your kidneys.
2. Medications
Your doctor may prescribe medications to manage symptoms and prevent further kidney damage:
- Blood Pressure Medications: High blood pressure can speed up kidney damage. Medications like ACE inhibitors or ARBs can help lower blood pressure and protect your kidneys.
- Diabetes Medications: If you have diabetes, controlling blood sugar levels is essential. Medications and insulin can help prevent further kidney damage.
- Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs: High cholesterol can contribute to heart disease, which is common in people with CKD. Statins and other medications can help manage cholesterol levels.
- Phosphate Binders: If CKD progresses, your kidneys may struggle to balance minerals like phosphorus. Phosphate binders can help reduce phosphorus levels in your blood.
- Diuretics: These medications help reduce fluid buildup in the body, which is common in people with CKD.
3. Dialysis
When kidney function declines to the point where waste and fluids can no longer be effectively removed, dialysis may be necessary. Dialysis helps remove toxins and maintain a proper balance of fluids and electrolytes.
- Haemodialysis: This method uses a machine to filter your blood and remove waste. It is usually done three times a week at a dialysis center or sometimes at home.
- Peritoneal Dialysis: A treatment that uses the lining of your abdomen to filter blood inside your body. It can be done at home and offers more flexibility in scheduling.
4. Kidney Transplant
A kidney transplant is often the best long-term solution for patients with end-stage kidney disease. In this procedure, a healthy kidney from a donor is surgically placed into your body to take over the work of your failed kidneys.
- Living Donor Transplant: A kidney from a living donor, such as a family member or friend, offers the best chance of success.
- Deceased Donor Transplant: A kidney from a deceased donor is another option when a living donor is not available.
5. Palliative Care
For some patients with advanced CKD who are not candidates for dialysis or a transplant, palliative care may be recommended. Palliative care focuses on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life without aggressive treatments. This approach provides physical, emotional, and spiritual support.