How to Recognize and Treat Chronic Kidney Disease?

When a patient suffers from a gradual loss of kidney function over months or even years, the condition is known as chronic kidney disease. This might also lead to a permanent loss of kidney function over time. Depending upon the severity, chronic kidney disease is divided into 5 stages-   

1.Slight damage of the kidneys

2.Mild hampering of kidney function

3.Moderately reduced kidney function

4.Severely decreased kidney function

5.Kidney failure

Once the kidney stops functioning, the toxic substances, wastes, and water, which is otherwise eliminated by the kidneys, begins to accumulate inside the body. This leads to other problems as well such as high blood pressure, anemia, acidosis, bone disease and disorders of fatty acids and cholesterol. Kidneys are also referred to as renal. Therefore, kidney failure is also termed as ‘renal failure’.  When kidney disease is at a mild stage, the condition is known as renal insufficiency. Best kidney transplant hospitals in India are ideal to find out the stage you are at and develop a treatment plan accordingly.

Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease

Kidneys possess an amazing ability to compensate for problems in their functioning. This is the reason why chronic kidney disease may progress without any visible symptoms for a long duration. This usually continues until very little kidney function is left.  Kidney disease can affect your body in a variety of ways. Here are some of the signs and symptoms that indicate chronic kidney disease-

·Need to urinate frequently, especially during the night

·High blood pressure

·Puffiness around the eyes and swelling of the legs

·Weakness and fatigue ( as a result of anemia or accumulation of wastes)

·Nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting

·Pale skin, easy bruising, and itching

·Shortness of breath as a result of fluid accumulation inside the lungs

·Numbness in feet or hands and headaches, disturbed sleep

·Chest pain due to inflammation around the heart

·Bone pain and fractures

·Bleeding

·Reduced sexual interest and erectile dysfunction

Treatment and Therapies

No specific drug treatment is available for most kidney diseases. Treating kidney disease is therefore aimed at addressing the underlying causes and stop the disease from progressing further. This involves treating conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes etc. A healthy diet and routine exercise are recommended for those having hypertension issues. For those with acute infections, antibiotic treatment and having any obstructions removed from the urinary tract is advisable.  Patients with chronic kidney disease must also be screened for cardiovascular disease. Although both the conditions affect different parts of the body, the risk factors of both remain the same. Among the most common risk factors of both include type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking.

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