Understanding Your Diagnosis: What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
Let’s start with a real stories-
Amit Rajora, a young professional, aged 35 come to visit our dialysis unit at Delhi. He is diagnosed with stage 5 chronic kidney disease and his life was just turned upside down. He had been living a healthy and active life. But he had ignored some signs of chronic kidney disease like feeling fatigue sometimes, swelling in the ankles and persistent headaches. Now, he has started hemodialysis, a process that would require him to be at the clinic three times a week for four hours each session. Now he is back to the normal life again! As per recent statistics, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is particularly severe in rural areas in India. Almost 15.34% of the population is affected compared to 10.65% in urban areas. There are various reasons of CKD affecting millions of people and your kidney gradually lose their ability to filter the waste and excess fluids from your blood.
Your kidneys are one of the most vital organs that work tirelessly to keep your body healthy and fit. We usually don’t feel the urge to take care of this organ until you receive a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. Understanding the condition of your kidneys is the first step toward maintaining your kidney health. Right now, kidney disease is a public health concern right now.
It is most asked questions “how many kidneys does a person have” – typically two.
Each kidney is about the size of your fist, located on either side of your spine below your rib cage. Our kidneys filter approximately 120-150 quarts of blood daily. It helps to remove waste products and excess water to create urine.
Chronic kidney disease is a long-term condition where kidney function deteriorates progressively over months or years. It is not like any acute kidney disease that is curable in medications. CKD or chronic kidney disease occurs suddenly and may be reversible, CKD develops slowly and is generally permanent. The term “chronic” means the damage has been present for at least three months.
When your kidneys don’t work properly, waste products and fluid can build up in your body. It leads to various health complications. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is also known as
renal disease, and it can eventually progress to kidney failure if left untreated. Chronic kidney disease treatments are now available at Eskag Sanjeevani Hospitals dialysis.
Wondering what are the 5 stages of chronic kidney disease? Understanding what are the 5 stages of chronic kidney disease helps you grip where and when you should consult a nephrologist for chronic kidney disease treatments. Eskag Sanjeevani Hospitals dialysis units classify CKD into five stages based on your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Estimated glomerular filtration rate measures how well your kidneys filter blood.
Stage 1: Normal or High Function (eGFR 90 or higher)
At this stage, kidney function is normal or above normal, but there’s evidence of kidney damage such as protein in urine or abnormal kidney imaging. Many people don’t experience symptoms during chronic kidney disease stage 2 and earlier stages.
Stage 2: Mild Decrease (eGFR 60-89)
It is highly significant to know the signs of kidney disease. At stage 2, kidney function is mildly decreased, but damage is present. Like Stage 1, symptoms are often absent, making regular monitoring crucial for early detection. Chronic kidney disease medication may help in this stage.
Stage 3: Moderate Decrease (eGFR 30-59)
Stage 3 kidney disease has two sub-stages:
· Stage 3a: eGFR 45-59
· Stage 3b: eGFR 30-44
This is when symptoms may begin to appear. What is the creatinine level for stage 3 kidney disease varies, but typically ranges from 1.3-3.0 mg/dL, depending on age, gender, and muscle mass. Many people ask what should I eat if I have CKD stage 3, as dietary modifications become increasingly important at this stage.
Stage 4: Severe Decrease (eGFR 15-29)
Stage 4 kidney disease represents severe kidney damage with significant function loss. Symptoms become more noticeable, and preparation for kidney replacement therapy often begins. That’s why it is required to know about chronic kidney disease symptoms as earlier as possible.
Stage 5: Kidney Failure (eGFR less than 15)
Stage 5 kidney failure means your kidneys function at less than 10-15% of normal capacity. At this stage, dialysis or kidney transplantation is typically necessary for survival. Eskag Sanjeevani dialysis unit gives you a new chance and new hope. Here you can get free kidney dialysis which give you new life to live.
Early signs of kidney failure in adults can be indirect and easily ignored. Many patients ask what are the first signs of CKD and how do you feel when your kidneys are failing. Chronic kidney disease symptoms often don’t appear until significant kidney damage has occurred, which is why CKD is sometimes called a “silent disease.” And that’s why we suggest you all to health check up regularly. Health check up packages at Eskag Sanjeevani includes renal health check up package which is affordable to everyone.
Common signs of kidney disease include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in legs, ankles, feet, or face
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Sleep problems
- Muscle cramps
- High creatinine levels in blood tests
- Changes in urination (frequency, color, or foaming)
- Protein in urine (proteinuria)
- High blood pressure
Advanced stages may cause bone disease, anemia, heart problems, and fluid accumulation in the lungs.
Understanding Key Laboratory Values
Several blood and urine tests help monitor kidney function:
What is eGFR Levels?
eGFR levels (estimated glomerular filtration rate) measure how much blood your kidneys filter each minute. Normal eGFR is 90 or higher. The National Kidney Foundation provides detailed guidelines for interpreting these values.
Creatinine
Creatinine is a waste product from muscle metabolism. High creatinine levels indicate reduced kidney function, as healthy kidneys efficiently remove creatinine from the blood.
Proteinuria
Protein in urine suggests kidney damage, as healthy kidneys typically prevent protein from leaking into urine. Persistent proteinuria is often one of the earliest signs of kidney disease.
Common Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease
Several conditions can lead to chronic kidney disease:
- Diabetes: The leading cause of CKD, diabetic nephropathy develops when high blood sugar damages blood vessels in the kidneys.
- High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled hypertension damages kidney blood vessels over time.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease: Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited condition where fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys, gradually reducing function.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus can attack kidney tissues.
- Urinary System Problems: Blockages, reflux, or recurrent infections affecting the urinary system can cause kidney damage.
- Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: Though rare, hemolytic uremic syndrome can cause severe kidney damage, particularly in children.
Diagnosis and Testing
How is chronic kidney disease diagnosed typically involves multiple steps:
- Medical History: Your doctor reviews symptoms, medications, and family history
- Physical Examination: Checking for swelling, high blood pressure, and other signs
- Blood Tests: Measuring creatinine, eGFR, and other markers
- Urine Tests: Looking for protein, blood, or other abnormalities
- Imaging Studies: Ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs to visualize kidney structure
- Kidney Biopsy: Sometimes necessary to determine the exact cause
Chronic Kidney Disease Medication
Chronic kidney disease treatments focus on slowing progression, managing complications, and preparing for advanced care when necessary.
Medications
Chronic kidney disease medication may include:
- ACE inhibitors or ARBs to protect kidneys and control blood pressure
- Diuretics to manage fluid retention
- Phosphate binders to control mineral levels
- Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents for anemia
- Vitamin D supplements
Lifestyle Modifications
- Following a proper diet with appropriate protein, sodium, and phosphorus restrictions
- Regular exercise as allowed
- Stop smoking
- Weight management
- Blood sugar control for diabetic patients
What are the Advanced Treatment options for Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms?
When kidney function gets worsen considerably, kidney transplant is the only way out.
Dialysis- A magical discover in medical science
What happens during a dialysis session? The dialysis session consists of mechanically filtering waste and excess fluid from your blood. There are two main types:
Hemodialysis and Peritoneal dialysis
In haemodialysis, blood is filtered through an external machine. It is generally performed three times weekly at a dialysis center.
Peritoneal Dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen to filter blood internally, often performed at home.
Understanding the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis helps you make informed decisions about treatment. Finding a dialysis center for treatment involves considering location, services, and quality ratings.
How to get free dialysis treatment?
Are you wondering how you can afford dialysis sessions? Yes! Dialysis treatment costs a good amount and it is not always possible for people to afford to every week or month. And that’s why Eskag Sanjeevani dialysis units offer you free dialysis for everyone.
Kidney Transplantation
It is not always possible to go through prolonged dialysis sessions. Diabetic patients feel weak and body can’t withstand the dialysis process. For those kidney transplantation is the only option. Kidney transplantation offers the best long-term outcomes.
How to live with Chronic Kidney Disease?
As you have reached at the bottom of this blog, you perhaps are thinking that is it possible to live with CKD? Yes! It is manageable if you are going through the right treatment. Because it involves more than just medical treatment or medications. Consult with the best nephrologists at Eskag Sanjeevani dialysis units to manage chronic kidney disease and offer you the best expert advice. As we have mentioned earlier, you will get free dialysis services at every dialysis unit. Regular monitoring allows you early detection of complications and timely interventions. With proper management, many patients with CKD live full, active lives while slowing disease progression.
The Importance of Early Detection and Management
According to research, about 10% of the Indian population is affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in USA it is approximately 37 million Americans. Unfortunately, many of them are not even aware of chronic kidney disease that is alarming. That’s why it is always important to check your renal health through regular check up. Early detection can solve many severe situations and you can easily live a beautiful life without chronic kidney disease.
The journey with chronic kidney disease may seem daunting, but track your urinary system via simple creatinine check up can make it easier. With proper care, lifestyle modifications, and medical support, you can maintain your quality of life while protecting your remaining kidney function. Stay engaged in your care, ask questions, and remember that you’re not alone in this journey.