What is chronic kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease is a long-term condition that prevents the kidneys from functioning the way they should.
It is a common condition that is often associated with getting older. CKD can affect anyone but it is more common in people who are of South Asian origin.
CKD can get worse with time and cause the kidneys to stop functioning altogether, but it is very uncommon.
What are the symptoms of chronic kidney disease?
Symptoms of kidney disease are usually not evident in the early stages. It is usually diagnosed when a person has a blood or urine test for another reason and the results hint at a possible problem in their kidneys.
Symptoms that may show up at an advanced stage are-
- Tiredness
- Swollen hands, feet, or ankles
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Blood in urine
- Chest pain
- Irregularities in urine
- Dry or itchy skin
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle cramps
Causes of chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease is often caused by other conditions that end up affecting the kidneys. It is usually a result of a combination of different problems.
Chronic kidney disease can be caused by-
- High blood pressure: high blood pressure can affect the small blood vessels in the kidneys and prevent the kidneys to function properly.
- Diabetes: excess glucose can harm the tiny filters in the kidneys
- High cholesterol: High levels of cholesterol can cause an accumulation of fatty deposits in the blood vessels supplying a person’s kidneys. This makes it tougher for them to function properly.
- Kidney infections
- Glomerulonephritis can cause kidney inflammation
- Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited condition that causes fluid-filled sacs called cysts to develop and grow in the kidneys.
- Kidney stones cause blockages in the flow of urine or an enlarged prostate
- Regular and long-term usage of medicines like Lithium and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Risk factors in chronic kidney disease
Some factors can increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. They are-
- Smoking
- Abnormal kidney structure
- Older age
- Heart disease
- Alcohol
What are the complications of chronic kidney disease?
Almost every part of the human body can get affected by chronic kidney disease. It can result in several complications, such as-
- Fluid retention. It can cause swelling in the arms and legs
- Anemia
- increased potassium levels in the blood causing impairment of heart function
- Erectile dysfunction
- Weak bones
- Pregnancy complications
How is chronic kidney disease diagnosed?
To diagnose chronic kidney disease, the doctor may ask the patient about their family’s medical history. The doctor may also ask if the patient had previously been diagnosed with high blood pressure or if there has been a change in their urinary habits.
The tests and procedures that can help in determining CKD are –
Blood test:
It is the main test for kidney disease. A blood test can measure the creatinine levels in a person’s blood. The doctor uses blood test results, patient’s age, gender, and ethnic group to calculate the amount of waste their kidneys should be able to filter in a minute.
This calculation is known as glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Healthy kidneys are capable of filtering more than 90ml/min. A person is likely to have CKD if their rate is lower than this.
Urine test:
A urine test can help to-
- Check the levels of albumin and creatinine in a person’s urine.
- Check the presence of blood or protein in the urine
Other tests:
In some cases, other tests may be used to determine the level of kidney damage. These may include-
- An MRI scan, ultrasound scan, or CT scan. These tests can show what the kidneys look like and check for any blockages.
- A kidney biopsy requires the removal of a small sample of kidney tissue with the help of a needle. The cells of the kidney tissue are then looked under a microscope for signs of damage.
Chronic kidney disease treatment
If a person has chronic kidney disease, they must take steps to protect their kidneys from further damage. The sooner a person gets to know about the disease, the better.
The following steps can help in treating chronic kidney disease-
- One must control their blood pressure
- A diabetic patient must meet their blood glucose goal
- One must work with their health care team to constantly monitor their kidney health
- Take medicines as prescribed
- One must work with a dietician to develop a healthy meal plan
- One must make physical activity part of their routine
- Aim for a healthy weight
- Stop smoking
- One must find healthy ways to cope with stress and depression
Ayurvedic treatment for chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease treatment in Ayurveda is herbal and completely safe. It does have any side effects on the body.
End-stage chronic kidney disease needs immediate treatment or otherwise, it can lead to kidney failure. Dialysis or a kidney transplant becomes the only alternatives in such extreme cases. However both these alternatives are not affordable to everyone and can cause adverse health effects, hence chronic kidney disease treatment in Ayurveda is the most suited option.
Ayurveda recommends the following steps in order to achieve the best results –
- Lifestyle modifications
- Healthy and balanced diet
- Ensure enough rest