What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and How Does It Present? | Dr. Manish Sharma

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to function properly over time. The kidneys, which are essential for filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, become impaired, leading to an accumulation of toxins in the body. If left untreated, CKD can progress to kidney failure, necessitating dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease

CKD can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, with the most common being:

Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Increased pressure on the kidneys' blood vessels can impair their function.
Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units.
Polycystic Kidney Disease: A genetic condition that causes fluid-filled cysts to form in the kidneys.
Recurrent Kidney Infections: Can damage kidney tissue over time.

Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease

CKD is classified into five stages, based on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which measures how well the kidneys filter blood. In the early stages, symptoms may be mild or even absent, but as the disease progresses, they become more pronounced.

Stage 1: Mild kidney damage with normal or high GFR (90 or above).
Stage 2: Mild reduction in kidney function with a GFR between 60 and 89.
Stage 3: Moderate decrease in kidney function with a GFR between 30 and 59.
Stage 4: Severe reduction in kidney function with a GFR between 15 and 29.
Stage 5: Kidney failure, with a GFR less than 15, requiring dialysis or a transplant.

Common Symptoms of CKD

In the early stages, CKD is often asymptomatic, which is why it can go undetected until the disease has significantly progressed. However, as kidney function declines, several symptoms may arise, including:

Fatigue and Weakness: As the kidneys become less efficient at filtering waste, patients often feel tired and weak.
Swelling (Edema): Due to fluid retention, swelling can occur in the legs, ankles, feet, or hands.
Changes in Urination: Patients may experience frequent urination, especially at night, or a decrease in urine output.
Shortness of Breath: Fluid buildup in the lungs can lead to difficulty breathing.
Loss of Appetite and Nausea: Toxin buildup in the body can cause digestive symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
High Blood Pressure: CKD can cause hypertension, which in turn accelerates kidney damage.
Muscle Cramps: Electrolyte imbalances due to impaired kidney function can lead to muscle cramps and twitches.

Diagnosis of CKD

CKD is usually diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies. Key diagnostic tests include:

Blood Test: Measures levels of creatinine, a waste product that builds up when kidney function declines.
GFR Test: Estimates how well your kidneys are filtering blood.
Urine Test: Checks for protein or blood in the urine, which are indicators of kidney damage.
Imaging: Ultrasounds or CT scans may be used to check the size and structure of the kidneys.

Treatment Options

While CKD cannot be cured, its progression can be slowed down with proper management. Treatment typically includes:

Lifestyle Modifications: A low-sodium diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking.
Medications: To control blood pressure, manage diabetes, or reduce protein in the urine.
Dialysis: When kidneys fail, dialysis is needed to filter waste and excess fluids.
Kidney Transplant: In advanced cases, a kidney transplant may be the best long-term solution.

Chronic Kidney Disease is a serious condition that requires early detection and ongoing management to prevent complications. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned or are at risk due to conditions like diabetes or hypertension, it’s important to seek medical attention. At Dr. Manish Sharma’s Clinic in Lucknow, we offer expert nephrology care, personalized treatment plans, and guidance on managing CKD effectively. Book an appointment today to protect your kidney health!

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