Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Loss of kidney function which results in decreased filtration of toxins from the blood
As kidney function decreases, manifestations of CKD occur such as:
- Hypertension
- Blood mineral disorders
- Acid-base blood disordes
- Anemia (low blood count)
- Increased risk of cardiac and vascular disease
Causes of CKD
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Hypertension (High blood pressure can also be caused by kidney disease)
- Glomerulonephritis (inflammatory kidney disease)
- Lupus
- Obstruction of the urinary tract (common causes include kidney stones and an enlarged prostate)
Symptoms of CKD
Most people do not experience symptoms unless the renal dysfunction is severe.
Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Decreased mental sharpness
- Loss of appetite
- Sleep disturbance
- Itching of the skin
Early detection of kidney disease can prevent the progression of CKD to kidney failure.
Kidney failure requires dialysis to reverse the symptoms of kidney disease.
Kidney transplantation is surgical placement of a functioning kidney to restore kidney function.
