When your kidneys stop functioning at their optimal levels, it can cause chronic kidney disease (CKD). When kidneys do not perform well, all the toxins and other body fluids accumulate within and can lead to other illnesses like high blood pressure, stroke, heart diseases, and other ailments.
Chronic kidney disease is quite a common ailment among United States adults. More than 15% of people suffer from kidney-related ailments. Although there is no cure available for chronic kidney disease, it can be treated and kept under control if it is diagnosed early and treated with the appropriate care.
Several people live with chronic kidney disease and yet live a normal life. However, it is important to consult a nephrologist before coming to a conclusion. Meanwhile, you can continue reading to know more about their causes and stages.
Anyone can get kidney disease. However, older adults generally have a stable form of the disease, while younger people tend to get the more aggressive kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease risks in adults include:
See Also: Factors That May Put You at Risk for Chronic Kidney Disease
Depending on how severe it is, chronic kidney disease can cause:
Always remember that the signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease are not specific, in which it can be caused by other illnesses as well. Therefore, it is important to always consult with your nephrologist before arriving at any conclusion.
Kidneys work 24/7 to maintain a healthy balance of salts, water, and minerals within the body. Kidneys make hormones that keep control of your blood pressure and keep your bones healthy. Kidneys also filter out any extra fluids and toxins from the body.
The filtration rate of the kidneys is known as the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). When the GFR is low, the kidneys get damaged, which leads to chronic kidney disease.
There are different chronic kidney disease stages:
Stage 1: Mild kidney damage with the GFR of 90 ml per min or more
Stage 2: Mild kidney damage with maximum GFR of 89 ml per minute
Stage 3a: Moderate kidney damage with GFR of 59 ml per minute
Stage 3b: Moderate kidney damage with GFR of 44 ml per minute
Stage 4: Severe kidney damage with GFR of 29 ml per minute
Stage 5: Complete kidney failure with GFR of less than 15 ml per minute
Beyond stage 5 is considered end-stage kidney disease where dialysis or kidney transplant would be required.
See Also: Chronic Kidney Disease: How to Take Care of Yourself
There is no permanent cure for chronic kidney disease. However, appropriate treatments can help you in relieving the symptoms and prevent the disease from spreading or developing any further.
Dialysis and kidney transplant are two chronic kidney disease treatments that are meant for end-stage kidney disease. However, some other medications can also offer a little help, like blood pressure medications and cholesterol control medication.
Chronic kidney disease can bring a lot of turmoil to your daily life. However, you do not need to struggle alone. The Kidney Physicians of Indiana can help you with the proper chronic kidney disease treatment and be there for you when you need them. We have board-certified nephrology specialists in our healthcare team who specialize in diagnosing and treating all stages of chronic kidney disease.
We also have expert healthcare professionals in interventional nephrology, along with dialysis and kidney transplantation, who are committed to treating your kidney disease at the most affordable cost. So, if you are suffering from chronic kidney disease, get in touch with us, and our experienced physicians will take it from there.
