Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Symptoms, Stages and Treatment Options

Introduction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious health condition that will gradually impact the kidney's function. As we all know, the kidneys play an important role in filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood. As CKD progresses, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and waste accumulate in the body. Early stages of diseases may not present noticeable symptoms, leading to late detection.

Chronic kidney disease treatment is focused on reducing the progress of damage in the kidney. But slowing the underlying cause is not always an effective prevention for this disease. Advanced CKD can lead to end-stage kidney failure, requiring dialysis or transplantation. Awareness of chronic kidney disease can help in getting better treatment during the early stages. It helps in preserving kidney functioning and overall well-being.

About chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease or failure is characterized by the gradual loss of the kidney's functioning. The kidneys play a vital role in filtering the excess fluids and waste from the blood that are eliminated from the body through urine. Chronic kidney disease arises when waste fluid, electrolytes and other wastes accumulate in the body.

Early stages of CKD may only have a few noticeable symptoms, making it challenging to recognize this disease until it reaches an advanced stage. The treatment process for this disease aims to slow the progression of kidney damage by addressing the underlying problem. Chronic kidney disease can even lead to kidney failure, which can be fatal. Moreover, this condition can also risk complications like high blood pressure, anaemia, weakened bones, nerve damage, etc.

Symptoms of chronic kidney disease

The symptoms of chronic kidney disease might vary based on the stage of this disease. In the early stages, there may not be any noticeable symptoms, but the following symptoms may occur as the disease progresses:

• Fatigue and weakness - caused by fluid accumulation in the body.
• Swelling in legs, ankles, feet and face – caused by the excess salt present in the body.
• Changes in urination: increases frequency, foamy urine or presence of blood in urine.
• High blood pressure
• Loss of appetite: unintentional weight loss

Symptoms of advanced stages of CKD

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Sleep problems
• Itchy skin

Early detection of chronic kidney disease symptoms and prompt treatment are important to slow down the progression of the disease and prevent complications. Regular check-ups and kidney function monitoring are recommended, especially for individuals with risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Causes of chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease can be caused by various factors and conditions that contribute to the gradual loss of kidney function. The most common causes of this condition are uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure. Diabetes can lead to kidney damage because of the accumulation of glucose in the blood and prolonged high blood pressure can strain the kidneys, leading to decreased kidney function.

Common causes

• Glomerulonephritis
• Polycystic kidney disease 
• Urinary tract problems: kidney stones or enlarged prostate 
• Medications: Certain medications, when used excessively, can harm the kidneys as a side effect.
• Illegal substance use: Using illegal substances like cocaine and heroin can damage the kidneys causing chronic kidney diseases.

Other causes of kidney disease

• Heavy metal poisoning
• Foetal developmental problems
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune condition)
• Malaria
• Yellow fever
• Illegal substance use
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Inherited disease
• Kidney injuries

Different stages of chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease is classified into five different stages based on glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is used to measure the kidney's functioning. Each chronic kidney disease stage represents a different level of damage to the kidney that requires corresponding treatment and management approaches.

• Stage 1: Mild damage in the kidney with high or normal GFR (≥90 ml/min). There may be minor signs of kidney damage at this stage, but kidney functioning will still be near-normal.
• Stage 2: This stage is noticed with mildly reduced GFR (60-89 ml/min). The kidney damage becomes more apparent, but the kidneys will function relatively well.
• Stage 3: Moderately reduced GFR (30-59 ml/min) with a noticeable decrease in kidney functioning. Some of the symptoms of CKD may become evident in this stage. Stage 3 is further divided into a 3a (GFR 45-59 ml/min) and 3b (GFR 30-44 ml/min).

• Stage 4: Severely reduced GFR (15-29 ml/min). Kidney function significantly declines in this stage with severe complications. Symptoms such as swelling, back pain and anaemia are more likely to show at this stage.

• Stage 5: End-stage kidney failure (GFR <15 ml/min or dialysis). In this stage, kidney functioning will be minimal, and dialysis or kidney transplantation becomes necessary for survival. Symptoms of kidney failure like itching, muscle cramps and difficulty in breathing become more prominent.

Treatments for chronic kidney disease

• Medication

Medications are an important treatment option for managing CKD, and the medicine type depends on the cause of your condition. It includes ACE inhibitors, diuretics, phosphate binders, cholesterol-lowering drugs, erythropoietin and supplements like vitamin D and calcitriol.

• Kidney dialysis

Kidney dialysis is an essential treatment option for individuals with end-stage kidney disease. There are two major types of dialysis peritoneal and hemodialysis. Hemodialysis is done using a machine to filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood. At the same time, peritoneal dialysis involves introducing a solution into the abdomen through a catheter for waste absorption and removal.

• Kidney transplant

Kidney transplantation may be the preferred chronic kidney disease treatment option for certain candidates with end-stage kidney disease. It involves replacing the damaged or diseased kidney through surgery with a healthy kidney from a deceased or a living donor.

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Conclusion

Chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition that requires early detection and proper treatment. Managing underlying causes, making lifestyle changes and considering dialysis or transplantation can help preserve kidney function and improve quality of life.

Follow a low-sodium, low-phosphorous and low-potassium diet. Limit protein intake, exercise regularly and quit smoking. Maintain a healthy weight for managing CKD. Consult a doctor early if any of the symptoms are found. Follow the medications properly to reduce the underlying conditions.

Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostic lab in India, specialising in pathology services. They offer accurate blood testing and health check-ups, making them a valuable resource for diagnosing and monitoring chronic kidney disease.  They provide home visits for sample collection as well as fast and accurate delivery of test results within 24 hours.