Overview

The kidneys' main role is to cleanse the toxins in blood and transform waste into urine. The obstacle in this procedure leads to the build-up of toxins and harmful wastes. It can also lead to kidney failure. One can identify the issue with common symptoms such as elevated blood pressure, swollen face, low energy, and continuous headache.

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease is a progressive and long-standing disease indicating improper functioning of the kidneys. Kidneys cannot filter blood properly, accumulating harmful toxins and waste inside the kidney. It can also lead to kidney failure. Under such a situation, one might also experience a build-up of harmful levels of electrolytes and toxins damaging the kidney.

Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease

Early stages of chronic kidney disease might not be identifiable to the affected individual, but worsening symptoms might lead to serious issues. Mentioned below are some of the symptoms of chronic kidney diseases that help one to identify the issue in its initial stages:

- Nausea- It is when a human body loses important fluids for multiple reasons. Chronic kidney disease leads to the build-up of harmful and unwanted fluids and toxins inside the kidney blocking the kidney's filtration process. Hence, an individual feels nauseous and has a sudden urge to vomit.
- Loss of Appetite- Continuous lowering of glomerular filtration rate in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease leads to loss of appetite. It also opens the way for other health issues, such as sudden weight loss and tiredness. The symptom requires an immediate checkup with a doctor to plan the diet chart according to the present condition and avoid worsening the scenario.
- Weakness- Weakness is another common symptom observed in chronic kidney disease stages. The disease involves the loss of important fluids and electrolytes, making the individual feel tired and weak. It also restricts the patient from performing routine activities hassle-free, such as walking, climbing stairs, heavy workouts, and similar activities.
- Low Urine- In the case of chronic kidney disease, the kidneys' functioning is obstructed for multiple reasons. Hence, this also results in blockage of the urinary tract and the passing of low or less urine. Under such scenarios, one must immediately consult a doctor to identify the root cause and get proper medication and treatment.

Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease stages are segregated into five stages as per estimated glomerular filtration rate or eGFR results. Each stage signifies the level of damage to the kidney. It also signifies the current condition of the kidney. Mentioned below are the different chronic kidney disease stages and their explanation:

- Stage 1- Stage 1 indicates a normal 90 or more eGFR result. It means the kidneys have mild damage and can function normally. Protein in the urine can be a symptom of stage 1. Though the damages to kidneys in stage 1 are mild, they are also irreversible, making it a cause to worry about.
- Stage 2- In stage 2, the eGFR result indicates a small sign to worry, indicating between 60 and 89. Symptoms such as swelling in hands and legs, high blood pressure, urinary tract infections, and many similar issues can help to identify stage 2 of chronic kidney disease.
- Stage 3- Stage 3 is a situation one must worry about. The eGFR results in stage 3 are between 30 and 59. The kidneys cannot function properly and cannot filter toxins and harmful waste from the blood. One should immediately consult a doctor in case of stage 3 symptoms such as swelling of hands and feet, high blood pressure, and bone disease.
- Stage 4- Stage 4 of chronic kidney disease reflects the results of the eGFR test between 15 and 29, which is an alarming figure. It is the last stage before kidney failure. Pain in the lower back is one of the symptoms of stage 4.
- Stage 5- Stage 5 of eGFR results are less than 15. It is a serious thing and reflects severe kidney damage. In this stage, the kidneys are close to complete damage.

Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease

Mentioned below are the different tests that a doctor may suggest for proper chronic kidney disease diagnosis and planning proper medication to control the issue in time:

- Blood Test
- Urine Test
- Ultrasound Scan
- MRI Scan

Preventive Measures to Lower Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosis

Mentioned below are some of the preventive measures one can follow to lower the symptoms of chronic kidney disease:

- Quit smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Managing past medical conditions
- Maintain an active lifestyle

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Gastroenterology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Chronic Kidney Disease might not be identifiable initially but can show severe and chronic symptoms in elevated stages. Hence, one should pay attention to the health signs given by the body. Immediately consulting a doctor is a wise decision to heal the disease on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Chronic Kidney Disease? A. Chronic kidney disease is improper kidney functioning and the inability to filter toxins and harmful waste from the blood.

Q. What are the symptoms of chronic kidney disease? A. Nausea, fatigue, weakness, low urine, and many other similar issues are the symptoms of the initial stage of chronic kidney disease.

Q. What are the causes of chronic kidney disease? A. Diabetes, high blood pressure, inherited kidney diseases, and many such issues are the causes of chronic kidney disease.

Q. Can chronic kidney disease be cured? A. Unfortunately, there is no cure for chronic kidney disease. However, proper medication and timely treatment by a doctor can help lower the disease's symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and food habits can also prove to help manage symptoms of kidney disease.

Q. What are the warning signs of chronic kidney disease? A. Symptoms such as loss of appetite, weakness, fatigue, headache, low or more urination, vomiting, and other similar issues can be considered warning signs of chronic kidney disease.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/chronic-kidney-disease/
- https://www.narayanahealth.org/diseases/kidney-diseases
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd
- https://www.kidneyfund.org/all-about-kidneys/stages-kidney-disease