Chronic kidney disease: An overview
Dr. Gayatri Pegu, MD (Medicine), DM (Nephrology), Specialist in Kidney Disease and Nephrotic Syndrome, Nephrologist, Apollo Clinic, Guwahati, Assam


SymptomsSigns and symptoms of kidney disease progress slowly if kidney damage is slower. In the severe stage following symptoms are observed-• Vomiting• Nausea• Sleep-related problems• Muscle cramps• Fatigue• Dry and itchy skin• High blood pressure• Swelling of feet and ankles• Frequent urination at night, etc.
Prevention• Follow instructions on over-the-counter medicines. Don’t use them frequently.• Quit smoking• Maintain a healthy weight.• Manage health conditions by staying connected with the doctor.
Tests & Diagnosis• Kidney scans (Ultrasound, MRI, CT, etc).• Urine test- The presence of albumin in the urine shows that the kidneys are damaged.• Kidney biopsy- Testing of kidney tissues.• Chest X-ray• GFR
Treatments for CKDFor the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) doctors try to slow the progression of disease by working on the cause. The main treatments which are done by experts include-• Lifestyle modifications.• Medicines for the treatment of associated diseases such as high blood pressure.• Dialysis to replace kidney functions in the middle stage of CKD.• Kidney transplant is done in the last stage of CKD when all the functions cannot be performed by the original kidneys.
SummaryCKD is one of the most widespread diseases in the worked affecting 1 in 7 adults. It affects people from specific ethnicity such as Native Americans. Till the time symptoms of CKD starts appearing it reaches the severe stage when it may require dialysis or a transplant. People having health conditions like cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes are an easy targets to be affected by CKD. People affected and having concerns regarding CKD should lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Regular meeting with the doctor is also necessary.
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First Published: Dec 28, 2022, 13:46
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