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The kidneys are two of the most important organs in the body.
They maintain balance of the volume of water in the body. They filter the blood and help get rid of waste products. They also produce hormones that circulate in the bloodstream and regulate some of the body functions such as blood pressure, the making of red blood cells and the uptake of iron, calcium and other vitamins and minerals from the intestine thus playing an important role in bone metabolism and bone and muscle strength. |
The Renal Clinic
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Chronic Kidney Disease
What is CKD?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) implies, progressive loss of kidney function which usually affects both kidneys.
When kidney function falls below a certain point (called kidney failure), wastes are retained in the body which can affect organs like the heart, lungs, muscles, gastrointestinal tract and brain. This may become a life-threatening situation which requires urgent attention.
Currently there is no cure for most causes of kidney disease, however often the disease can be controlled so the loss of function slows down or reaches a steady point.
In extreme loss of function situations, the patient relies only on life-extending treatments such as dialysis, which is constraining, or transplantation for which there is a shortage of donor organs. That is why prevention and control of the consequences is very important so the patient can maintain longevity and quality of life.
When kidney function falls below a certain point (called kidney failure), wastes are retained in the body which can affect organs like the heart, lungs, muscles, gastrointestinal tract and brain. This may become a life-threatening situation which requires urgent attention.
Currently there is no cure for most causes of kidney disease, however often the disease can be controlled so the loss of function slows down or reaches a steady point.
In extreme loss of function situations, the patient relies only on life-extending treatments such as dialysis, which is constraining, or transplantation for which there is a shortage of donor organs. That is why prevention and control of the consequences is very important so the patient can maintain longevity and quality of life.
How is CKD detected?
Early CKD has no symptoms. Often deterioration occurs slowly but steadily. A person can lose up to 90% of kidney function without experiencing severe symptoms and physical signs can also be subtle.
Early detection is crucial as adequate treatment can slow the progression of the disease and therefore prevent the need for serious medical treatment namely dialysis and/or transplantation.
Simple urine and blood tests can detect early CKD.
Early detection is crucial as adequate treatment can slow the progression of the disease and therefore prevent the need for serious medical treatment namely dialysis and/or transplantation.
Simple urine and blood tests can detect early CKD.
What Causes CKD and Who is at Risk?
High blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes are the most common causes of CKD. It can affect people of all ages and races.
EIGHT COMMON RISK FACTORS:
People of advanced age, with diabetes, obesity or hypertension, family history of CKD, smokers and people with African, Hispanic, South Asian or Aboriginal descent or were born premature or with low weight also have increased risks. If you are in one of these groups or think you may have an increased risk for kidney disease, ask your doctor about getting tested.
EIGHT COMMON RISK FACTORS:
People of advanced age, with diabetes, obesity or hypertension, family history of CKD, smokers and people with African, Hispanic, South Asian or Aboriginal descent or were born premature or with low weight also have increased risks. If you are in one of these groups or think you may have an increased risk for kidney disease, ask your doctor about getting tested.
How can it be Prevented?
There are several easy ways to reduce the risk of developing kidney disease. Some small changes in behavior can have enormous health benefits. The EIGHT GOLDEN RULES to reduce the risks are:
1. Keep fit and active.
2. Keep regular control of your blood sugar level.
3. Monitor your blood pressure and seek treatment if becomes abnormal.
4. Eat healthy and keep your weight in check.
5. Stay hydrated.
6. Don't Smoke.
7. Avoid over-the-counter or non regulated medications.
8. Have your kidney function tested regularly if you have any risk factor.
1. Keep fit and active.
2. Keep regular control of your blood sugar level.
3. Monitor your blood pressure and seek treatment if becomes abnormal.
4. Eat healthy and keep your weight in check.
5. Stay hydrated.
6. Don't Smoke.
7. Avoid over-the-counter or non regulated medications.
8. Have your kidney function tested regularly if you have any risk factor.
