Disease Insights: chronic-kidney-failure
Welcome to the ultimate guide on chronic kidney failure. Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions to help you or your loved ones understand and manage this condition better.
Description for chronic kidney failure
A long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood.
Symptoms of chronic kidney failure
fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs and ank
Precautions for chronic kidney failure
Monitor kidney function regularly, Avoid nephrotoxic medications, Follow a kidney-friendly diet, Stay hydrated
Questions Covered:
- what is chronic kidney failure?
- What are the usual symptoms of chronic kidney failure?
- causes of chronic kidney failure?
- How do doctors usually figure out if someone has chronic kidney failure, diagnosis?
- How do doctors usually treat chronic kidney failure?
- What are the ways to prevent chronic kidney failure?
Answers:
Question: what is chronic kidney failure?
Chronic kidney failure occurs when your kidneys are damaged and cannot filter waste from your body effectively. You may experience more symptoms as the condition progresses.
Question: What are the usual symptoms of chronic kidney failure?
If you're in the early stages of chronic kidney failure, you may or may not have symptoms.
Some early symptoms of kidney failure can also occur with other illnesses and conditions. This can make diagnosis difficult.
Early symptoms can include:
high blood pressure
swelling in your hands or feet
urinary tract infections
protein in your urine
blood in your urine
If the damage to your kidneys gets worse, you will eventually notice symptoms. Later stage symptoms can include:
difficulty staying alert
cramps and twitches
numbness in your limbs
weakness
fatigue
bad breath
skin that's darker or lighter than usual
bone pain
excessive thirst
bleeding and bruising easily
insomnia
urinating more or less than usual
hiccups
swollen feet and ankles
missing menstrual periods
shortness of breath
Chronic kidney disease can also lead to other complications. These may include:
pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in your lungs) and fluid buildup in other areas
vitamin D deficiency, which can affect your bone health
nerve damage that can lead to seizures
anemia
cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke
electrolyte imbalance
sexual dysfunction and impotence
uremia
infertility
inability to maintain weight
Question: causes of chronic kidney failure?
Diabetes and high blood pressure can commonly lead
to chronic kidney failure.
Other causes can include:
damage to kidney function
recurring kidney infections
inflammation in your kidneys' filtration system
congenital kidney disease
obstruction of your urinary tract
autoimmune disorders
You may be at a higher risk of chronic kidney failure if you:
smoke cigarettes
have obesity
have diabetes
have heart disease
have high cholesterol
have a family history of kidney disease
are over age 65
Question: How do doctors usually figure out if someone has chronic kidney failure, diagnosis?
If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or another condition that puts you at higher risk of kidney failure, a doctor will likely routinely monitor your kidney function.
Regular checkups and reporting symptoms can help doctors diagnose chronic kidney failure early.
Physical exam
At your appointment, a doctor will perform a physical exam.
Kidney failure can cause fluids to back up in your lungs or heart. A doctor may examine these organs by listening to them with a stethoscope.
Blood and urine tests
If a doctor thinks you might have chronic kidney failure, they will likely order blood and urine tests.
Blood tests for kidney function measure the levels of electrolytes and waste in your blood. They measure waste products such as. These can include:
Creatinine: Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle metabolism.
Blood urea: Blood urea is left over when your body breaks down proteins.
When your kidneys are working properly, they excrete both substances.
Urine tests can measure your kidney function.
A urine protein test measures how much protein is in your urine. Urine typically contains only trace amounts of protein. An elevated protein level may indicate kidney problems months or even years before other symptoms appear.
Imaging tests
Imaging tests can provide structural details of your kidneys. These can include:
kidney ultrasound
MRI
CT scan
Biopsy
A doctor may also order a biopsy. This can be performed as a needle biopsy or an open biopsy.
A needle biopsy is the most common type of kidney biopsy. During this procedure, a doctor or technician inserts a needle into your kidney. This is considered a minimally invasive procedure.
During an open biopsy, a doctor will use a surgical incision to expose your kidney. This procedure requires strict sterile techniques and general anesthesia.
After the doctor collects a sample of kidney tissue, they will send it to a lab for microscopic examination.
Testing results and follow-up
The results of your examination will help the doctor make a diagnosis. It can also help them determine the cause of your kidney failure.
If you receive a diagnosis of chronic kidney failure, you will likely need regular blood tests. These measure various substances in your body, such as:
calcium
potassium
cholesterol
sodium
magnesium
phosphorous
You may also need ongoing kidney function tests to measure your creatinine and urea levels.
Question: How do doctors usually treat chronic kidney failure?
There is no cure for chronic kidney failure. However, certain measures can slow its progression.
Medication
Medication can help treat the symptoms of chronic kidney failure.
Kidney failure is linked to high blood pressure, so a doctor may prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure. You might also need medications called statins to lower your cholesterol level.
People with chronic kidney failure may also experience anemia. Anemia occurs when your body doesn't produce enough red blood cells. Treatments for anemia can include:
a supplement to help increase your red blood cell production
iron pills or shots to help your body manufacture blood cells
a blood transfusion to improve your red blood cell health, in some cases
If your kidney problem causes fluid retention, medications called diuretics can help relieve your swelling. This medication makes you urinate frequently.
A doctor may also prescribe medication to support your bone health. This can include:
calcium supplements
vitamin D supplements, as vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption
phosphate binders, as high levels of phosphate can reduce calcium absorption
Antihistamines can help relieve itchy skin and antiemetics can help with nausea.
Diet
A doctor may also recommend certain dietary changes, including reducing your intake of certain nutrients.
These can include
:
Protein: As your body processes protein, it creates waste products. Your kidneys are responsible for filtering this waste. A lower protein diet makes their job easier.
Potassium: When your kidneys are not functioning well, they may not filter potassium properly. In people with chronic kidney failure, high levels of potassium (hyperkalemia) can be life threatening. It can lead to issues with heart function or paralysis. Doctors may recommend a low potassium diet.
Phosphate: Your kidneys may not be able to process phosphate either. Phosphate can also diminish your body's ability to absorb calcium. High phosphate foods include fish, dairy products, eggs, and meat. You may need to eat less of these.
Salt and sodium: Consuming too much sodium can make it hard for your body to maintain fluid levels. Reading labels may help you manage your intake. Many prepared foods, such as canned soup or fast food, can be high in sodium.
You can work with a dietitian or a doctor to find out how much of these substances you should eat.
You may also need to limit your fluid intake so your kidneys don't have to work too hard.
People with chronic kidney failure often lose weight. Make sure you're consuming enough calories from foods approved and recommended by a dietitian.
Lifestyle
Certain lifestyle practices may help slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. These can include:
quitting smoking, if you smoke
keeping up to date on your vaccinations, including your flu shot
discuss supplements and over-the-counter (OTC) medications with a doctor before taking them
If you see other doctors for different conditions, always inform them of your kidney situation.
End stage treatment
If attempts to control your condition through diet and medication fail, you might face end stage kidney disease.
End stage kidney disease, also known as end stage renal disease (ESRD), occurs when your kidneys operate at less than 15%
of their full capacity. At this stage, your kidneys can no longer eliminate waste as fast as you produce it.
There are two treatment options for end stage kidney disease: dialysis and kidney transplant.Doctors typically try to postpone these options as long as possible because both carry serious risks.
Dialysis
Dialysis is a system for filtering waste products and excess fluids out of your blood.
The two main types of dialysis include:
Hemodialysis: In hemodialysis, your blood is filtered outside your body in a machine.
Peritoneal dialysis: In peritoneal dialysis, you fill your abdominal cavity with a special solution via a catheter. The solution absorbs excess fluid and waste before it's drained from your body.
Because dialysis usually needs to be done several times a week, it's a big lifestyle change. Dialysis also carries a risk of infection.
Kidney transplant
Kidney transplant is more convenient than dialysis if you can find an appropriate donor kidney. The donor needs to have the same blood type as you.
A kidney from a living sibling or other close relative is usually best. You could also get your kidney from a deceased donor.
However, kidney transplants also carry a large risk of infection because you will need lifelong immunosuppression.
Question: What are the ways to prevent chronic kidney failure?
You may be able to prevent kidney failure with certain lifestyle changes. Here are some general guidelines:
If they consume alcohol, people over 65 should limit themselves to no more than one drink per day. Males who are younger than 65 should stop at two drinks or fewer.
Manage your blood pressure.
If you have diabetes, manage your blood sugar.
If needed, try to maintain a moderate weight. This can mean consuming fewer calories and increasing your activity. A doctor can make provide healthy weight loss guidelines.
OTC pain relievers can cause kidney damage. Follow the directions on the package, only take them as needed, and discuss the use of pain relievers with a doctor if you have any kidney concerns.
If you smoke cigarettes, consider quitting.
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Conclusion & Takeaways
Learning about chronic kidney failure is the first step toward taking control of your health. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments, you empower yourself to make informed decisions. Remember to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support.