Chronic kidney disease can go undiagnosed for a long period of time due to the minimal symptoms it presents. It only becomes apparent when the symptoms become quite severe due to the impairment of the kidney functions.
Causes
-
High blood pressure
-
Polycystic kidney disease: This is a genetic condition that occurs as a result of cysts in both kidneys.
-
Diabetes: Type 1 or type 2
-
Obstruction of the urinary tract due to kidney stones, tumors, or enlarged prostate
-
Kidney stones: This is a very common kidney condition that occurs when substances in the blood form stones in the kidneys. These stones are usually passed out during urination.
-
Cardiovascular disease
-
Genetics: History of kidney disease in the family
-
Aging
Symptoms
-
Low urine output
-
Blood in the urine
-
Persistently itchy skin
-
Tiredness
-
Swollen feet and ankles
-
Nausea
-
Loss of appetite
-
High blood pressure
-
Breathlessness
-
Trouble sleeping
-
Muscle cramps
Chronic kidney disease is usually diagnosed through blood and urine tests, imaging, and through a biopsy.
Treatment:
At the moment, there is no one particular cure of chronic kidney disease, but there are treatment options for the symptoms. These include:
-
Taking an array of medications including antihistamines for itchy skin, iron supplements and blood transfusion for anemia, blood pressure medications, anti-nausea medications, and home remedies including a diet low in proteins and phosphates.
-
If the kidneys have reached the end-stage, which means they are functioning at less than 15% capacity, the patient would need to undergo routine dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis), or a kidney transplant in order to live.