Overview
A condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function. Early stages can be asymptomatic. Disease progression occurs slowly over a period of time.
Symptoms
If you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of a Chronic kidney disease, seek medical attention immediately
Early stages show no symptoms. When the disease progresses symptoms presented are:
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Edema swelling of feet and ankle
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Need to urinate more often, especially at night
- Decreased mental sharpness
- Problems with sleep
- Blood in urine
- Protein in urine
- Erectile dysfunction in men
- Twitching in the muscles and cramps
- Persistent itching
- Chest pain, if fluid builds up around the lining of the heart
- Shortness of breath is seen if fluid builds up in the lungs
→ Common treatment options
→ How is this diagnosed?
Causes
- The cause of chronic kidney disease is not always known.
– The most common risk factors include:
- Diabetes – Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Glomerulonephritis – Inflammation in the glomerulus
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus
- Vesicoureteral reflux – A condition where urine flows back up to the kidneys
- Pyelonephritis
- Interstitial nephritis – Inflammation of the tubules
- Kidney stones, obstruction in kidney or cancer can lead to kidney failure over A period of time
- Overuse of certain medications
- Drug (heroin or cocaine) abuse
→ Do you have a health question on your mind for chronic kidney disease? Ask professionals from across the world
→ Interested to know more? Check out the full article here
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