
14/04/2023
DEFINITION
Chronic kidney disease, also called chronic kidney failure, describes the gradual loss of kidney function. Your kidneys filter wastes and excess Fluids from your blood, which are then excreted in your urine. When Chronic kidney disease reaches an advanced stage, dangerous levels of Fluid, electrolytes and wastes can build up in your body.
In the early stages of Chronic kidney disease, you may have few signs or symptoms. Chronic kidney disease may not become apparent until your kidney function is significantly impaired.
Treatment for Chronic kidney disease focuses on slowing the progression of the kidney damage, usually by controlling the underlying cause. Chronic kidney disease can progress to end-stage kidney failure, which is fatal without artificial filtering (dialysis) or a kidney transplant.
SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms of Chronic kidney disease develop over time if kidney damage progresses slowly. Signs and symptoms of kidney disease may include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Fatigue and weakness
Sleep problems
Changes in urine output
Decreased mental sharpness
Muscle twitches and cramps
Hiccups
Swelling of feet and ankles
Persistent itching
Chest pain, if Fluid builds up around the lining of the heart
Shortness of breath, if Fluid builds up in the lungs
High blood pressure (hypertension) that's difficult to control
Signs and symptoms of kidney disease are often nonspecific, meaning they can also be caused by other illnesses. And because your kidneys are highly adaptable and able to compensate for lost function, signs and symptoms may not appear until irreversible damage has occurred.
CAUSES
Chronic kidney disease occurs when a disease or condition impairs kidney function, causing kidney damage to worsen over several months or years.
Diseases and conditions that commonly cause Chronic kidney disease include:
Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Glomerulonephritis (gloe-mer-u-lo-nuh-FRY-tis), an inflammation of the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli)
Interstitial nephritis, an inflammation of the kidney's tubules and surrounding structures
Polycystic kidney disease
Prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract, from conditions such as enlarged prostate, Kidney stones and some Cancers
Vesicoureteral (ves-ih-koe-yoo-REE-ter-ul) reflux, a condition that causes urine to back up into your kidneys
Recurrent Kidney infection, also called pyelonephritis (pie-uh-lo-nuh-FRY-tis)
RISK FACTORS
Factors that may increase your risk of Chronic kidney disease include:
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Smoking
Obesity
High cholesterol
Being African-American, Native American or Asian-American
Family history of kidney disease
Age 65 or older
COMPLICATIONS
Chronic kidney disease can affect almost every part of your body. Potential complications may include:
Fluid retention, which could lead to swelling in your arms and legs, high blood pressure, or Fluid in your lungs (Pulmonary edema)
A sudden rise in potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia), which could impair your heart's ability to function and may be life-threatening
Heart and blood vessel disease (cardiovascular disease)
Weak bones and an increased risk of bone fractures
Anemia
Decreased s*x drive or impotence
Damage to your central nervous system, which can cause difficulty concentrating, personality changes or seizures
Decreased immune response, which makes you more vulnerable to infection
Pericarditis, an inflammation of the sac-like membrane that envelops your heart (pericardium)
Pregnancy complications that carry risks for the mother and the developing fetus
Irreversible damage to your kidneys (end-stage kidney disease), eventually requiring either dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival