It’s a common condition often associated with getting older. It can affect anyone, but it’s more common in people who are black or of south Asian origin.
You are at greater risk for kidney disease if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. If you experience kidney failure, treatments include kidney transplant or dialysis. Other kidney problems include acute kidney injury, kidney cysts, kidney stones, and kidney infections.
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD) IS A LONG-TERM CONDITION WHERE THE KIDNEYS DO NOT WORK AS WELL AS THEY SHOULD.
CKD can get worse over time and eventually the kidneys may stop working altogether, but this is uncommon. Many people with CKD are able to live long lives with the condition.
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs. Each kidney is about the size of a fist. Your kidneys filter extra water and wastes out of your blood and make urine. Kidney disease means your kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood the way they should.
SYMPTOMS OF CKD
There are usually no symptoms of kidney disease in the early stages. It may only be diagnosed if you have a blood or urine test for another reason and the results show a possible problem with your kidneys. At a more advanced stage, symptoms can include:
• tiredness
• swollen ankles, feet or hands
• shortness of breath
• feeling sick
• blood in your pee (urine)
See a GP if you have persistent or worrying symptoms that you think could be caused by kidney disease.
CAUSES OF CKD
Chronic kidney disease is usually caused by other conditions that put a strain on the kidneys. Often it’s the result of a combination of different problems.
CKD CAN BE CAUSED BY:
Glomerulonephritis – kidney inflammation
Diabetes – too much glucose in your blood can damage the tiny filters in the kidneys
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease – an inherited condition where growths called cysts develop in the kidneys.
Long-term, regular use of certain medicines – such as lithium and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
High blood pressure – over time, this can put strain on the small blood vessels in the kidneys and stop the kidneys working properly.
High cholesterol – this can cause a build-up of fatty deposits in the blood vessels supplying your kidneys, which can make it harder for them to work properly.
Kidney infections.
Blockages in the flow of urine – for example, from kidney stones that keep coming back, or an enlarged prostate.
You can help prevent CKD by making healthy lifestyle changes and ensuring any underlying conditions you have are well controlled.
Ensure to visit your health professional for consultation. And to get started with such consultation, let’s begin with you dropping a comment on this post, liking this post, and sharing this post to help save lives and get others informed, while you private chat us.
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