What is chronic kidney disease?
Despite being relatively small organs, the kidneys are extremely important to the functioning of the human body. Their main function is to filter the blood, eliminating wastes, toxins, and excess fluids. They also are responsible for producing hormones and regulating various salts and minerals that are necessary for bodily functions.
Kidneys that function properly are essential to a person’s health, but it is estimated that one out of every 7 adults in the U.S. are estimated to have chronic kidney disease. In this blog, we will examine the nature of the condition, as well as its risk factors, stages, and associated symptoms.
The definition of chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease, often abbreviated to CKD, refers to any condition that causes damage to the kidneys and decreases their ability to filter waste from the blood. When this occurs, fluid and waste build up in the body, leading to health problems that worsen over time. Eventually, chronic kidney disease can lead to kidney failure; however, early detection and treatment can slow down this progession significantly.
Risk factors for chronic kidney disease
While anyone can develop kidney disease, certain health factors can increase a person’s risk. Diabetes is the number one cause of kidney disease, followed closely by high blood pressure. Individuals who have heart disease and a family history of kidney failure are also considered to be at an elevated risk and everyone’s chances of developing CKD increase as they age. Additionally, Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian American groups have a higher risk of developing kidney failure than Whites. Despite the higher prevalence these communities continue to be underrepresented in chronic kidney disease clinical trials. Clinical trials are critical for gaining a deeper understanding of the underlying factors contributing to these disparities and developing new interventions that work for the real-world population.
Chronic kidney disease stages
To help doctors and patients understand how well the kidneys are working and how fast the condition is progressing, there are five stages of chronic kidney disease. These CKD stages use a person’s estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values to evaluate symptoms and estimated levels of damage.
Stage 1 chronic kidney disease is marked by an eGFR of 90 or higher. This means the kidneys have mild damage but are still working well, and the individual is likely not experiencing any symptoms.
Stage 2 chronic kidney disease occurs when kidney damage reduces the eGFR to between 60 and 89. Individuals likely still are not experiencing symptoms but may have other signs of damage such as protein in the urine.
Stage 3 chronic kidney disease is segmented into 3a and 3b depending on a person’s eGFR. Stage 3a eGFR is between 45 and 59, while Stage 3b is between 30 and 44. Stage 3 is when the waste building up in the body can lead to other health problems and is typically when patients begin experiencing symptoms.
Stage 4 chronic kidney disease involves an eGFR of 15 to 29 and moderate to severe damage. This is the final stage before kidney failure, and it is important for patients to regularly visit their nephrologist to create a potential plan for treatment. Fortunately, with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, many patients do not progress to Stage 4.
Stage 5 chronic kidney disease is when the kidneys have failed or are very close to doing so, and a person’s eGFR is less than 15. Because the kidneys stop working at this stage, patients must seek out dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Symptoms of chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease symptoms can be severe, and individuals in the early stages of the disease may not experience any noticeable symptoms. However, as kidney damage progresses and the organs become less effective at filtering waste from the blood, symptoms can begin to arise.
Common symptoms of chronic kidney disease include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, mental fogginess, swelling of the limbs, high blood pressure, and pain in the lower back. Because these symptoms can be associated with other illnesses, it can be challenging to determine if CKD is the underlying cause. However, because early detection of kidney disease is so important, it is vital that individuals consult with their doctor if any of these symptoms occur.
Chronic kidney disease treatments
Currently, there is no known cure for chronic kidney disease. However, there are treatments to help relieve symptoms and slow down the progression of kidney damage. Treatment plans typically include lifestyle changes, such as reducing salt intake and exercising regularly, medicine to address specific symptoms, and treatments for any conditions associated with kidney disease such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Additionally, ongoing clinical trials for chronic kidney disease aim to find new and better treatment options for patients. These trials often involve potential new treatments, access to expert medical care, and the opportunity to contribution to the progression of. If you’d like to learn more about these options, click the button below to get started.
