What is CKD?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term conditions where the kidneys don't work as well as they should. It's a common condition often associated with getting older. It can affect anyone, but it's more common in people who are black or of south asian origin. CKD can get worse over time and eventually the kidneys may stop working altogether, but this is uncommon. Many people with CKD are able to live long lives with the condition.
Symptoms of CKD
There are usually no symptoms of kidney disease in early stages. It may only be diagnosed if you have a blood or urine test for another reason and the results show a possible problem with your kidneys. At more advanced stages, symptoms can include:
- tiredness
- swollen ankles, feet or hands
- shortness of breath
- feeling sick
- blood in your pee (urine)
See a GP if you have persistent or worrying symptoms that you think could be kidney disease.
Causes of CKD
Chronic Kidney disease is usually caused by other conditions that put a strain on the kidneys. Often it's the result of a combination of different problems. CKD can be caused by:
- high blood pressure- over time, this can put a strain on the small blood vessels in the kidneys and stop the kidneys from working properly
- Diabetes- too much glucose in your blood can damage the tiny filters in the kidneys
- high cholesterol- this can cause a build up of fatty deposits in the blood vessels supplying your kidneys, which can make it harder for them to work properly
- kidney infections
- glomerulonephritis- kidney inflammation
- polycystic kidney disease- an inherited condition where growths called cysts develop in the kidneys
- blockages in the flow of urine- for example, from kidney stones that keep coming back, or an enlarged prostate
- long- term, regular use of certain medicines- such as lithium and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Test for CKD
CKD can be diagnosed using blood and urine tests. These tests look for high levels of certain substances in your blood and urine that are signs your kidneys aren't working properly. If you're at a high risk of developing kidney disease (for example, you have a known risk factor such as high blood pressure or diabetes), you may be advised to have regular tests to check for CKD so it's found at an early stage. The results of your blood and urine tests can be used to tell the stage of your kidney disease. This is a number that reflects how severe the damage to your kidneys is, with a higher number indicating more serious CKD.
Treatments for CKD
There's no cure for CKD, but treatment can help relive the symptoms and stop it getting worse. Your treatment will depend on how severe your condition is. The main treatments are:
- lifestyle changes to help you remain as healthy as possible
- medicine to control associated problems such as higher blood pressure and high cholesterol
- dialysis- treatment to replicate some of the kidney's functions: this may be necessary in advanced CKD
- You'll be advised to have regular check-ups to monitor your condition.
CKD can range from a mild condition with no or few symptoms, to a very serious condition where the kidneys stop working, sometimes called kidney failure. Most people with CKD will be able to control their condition with medicine and regular check-ups. CKD only progresses to kidney failure in around 1 in 50 people with the condition. If you have CKD, even if it's mild, you're at an increased risk of developing other serious problems, such as cardiovascular disease. This is a group of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, which incldues heart attack and stroke. Cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of death in people with kidney disease, although healthy lifestyle changes and medicine can help reduce your risk of developing it.
Source: Chronic Kidney disease- nhs (www.nhs.uk)