What You Need To Know About Chronic Kidney Disease
The human body is a complex machine, able to perform incredible functions at an unparalleled rate. Comprised of organs, big and small, each part has a specific role to play in everyday life. The kidneys are one such organ that is rarely thought about until a major problem, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), has already occurred.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 30 million people will suffer from CKD. 48% of those with kidney disease, not on dialysis, have reduced kidney function. Often, patients have idea they have the disease.
The Importance of Kidneys
The kidney are the filtering unit of your body. When your kidneys are malfunctioning, toxins in your blood are not removed from your body the way they should. This can lead to severe medical issues.
Your body has kidneys, one each on the either side of the spine located below the rib cage.
Kidneys help maintain and regulate chemicals in your body. Your kidneys are responsible for maintaining the levels of potassium, salt and acid in your body. They also produce hormones, which helps other organs function normally. Hormones, produced by kidneys, help maintain your blood pressure. They also help regulate calcium metabolism.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic kidney disease is usually caused by damage by damage done over time. The most notable characteristic of the disease is the failure to filter blood, waste, or salt kike a healthy kidney. CKD is also referred to as chronic renal failure.
Causes of CKD
Polytheistic kidney disease
An inherited kidney condition characterized by cyst formation in the kidney that grows bigger with the passage of time. The cysts can cause kidney damage. as well as failure.A condition in which the filtering units of the kidney’s know as glimmering become inflamed.
Congenital
An anomaly of the kidneys that affect their function, from birth. This condition is most often inherited from a family history of kidney disease overwhelmingly affects infants and children.
A condition in which tubules of the kidney get inflamed, along with the adjoining structures. A disease that sends urine back to the kidneys.
Kidney stones
An accumulation of dissolved minerals, such as calcium, from the inside of the kidneys. People with kidney stones have an elevated risk of developing kidney disease.
An infection caused by exposure to bacteria. If left untreated or after multiple re occurrences, urinary tract infections can lead to kidney disease.
Drugs and medications
Some over the counter pain relievers, when taken in large quantities, can damage your kidneys. Drugs like cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines can cause damage to the kidneys as well.
Symptoms of CKD
The more gradual the kidney damage, the slower symptoms develop.
Symptoms Include
What You Need To Know About Chronic Kidney Disease: Loss of appetite, vomiting and/or nausea Weakness, fatigue and/or problem in sleeping increase or decrease in the amount you urinate A dip in mental alertness Feet and ankle swelling Muscle cramps and/or chest pain
Organizations, like the National kidney Foundation, are dedicated to raising awareness, and assisting in the prevention and treatment of kidney disease. The Florida chapter of the National kidney Foundation offers a free screening program to assess your risk of kidney disease.