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What to Know About Chronic Kidney Disease

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dralvinng
What to Know About Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and are not able to function properly. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, one on each side of the spine, located below the rib cage. They play a crucial role in removing waste materials and excess fluids from the blood, as well as maintaining a healthy electrolyte and substance balance.


Chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition, which simply means that it usually worsens over time as the disease progresses. Several different things, such as infections, pre-existing medical disorders like diabetes or high blood pressure, and even certain drugs, are capable of bringing about this illness. 


Therefore, the existence of specific risk factors, such as a family history of kidney disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes, and via tests that measure kidney function are often required in order to make a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease.


When Damage Occurs to the Kidneys


Damage to the kidneys impairs their ability to perform their normal functions. A variety of symptoms and consequences may result from a buildup of waste products and fluids in the body. Swelling of the hands, feet, and ankles, along with general weariness, weakness, and a shift in the amount of urine passed, are all indicators of chronic kidney disease.


Kidney damage may be permanent in some situations despite medical intervention, while it may be reversible in others. Kidney failure, which may need dialysis or a renal transplant if left untreated, is a complication of chronic kidney disease. In advanced stages of chronic kidney disease, the kidneys may be unable to function at all, and dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary to maintain kidney function.


Living with Kidney Disease


Having to deal with the broad variety of symptoms and problems that may arise from renal illness can be difficult. Adjustments to one's way of life, such as taking medicine as directed and eating a restricted diet, are common treatments for kidney illness. In addition, constant medical attention and checkups may be required.


When chronic kidney disease has progressed to a more severe level, patients may need either dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis is a treatment that utilises a machine to filter excess waste and fluids from the blood circulatory system. A kidney transplant is a surgical operation that involves replacing an impaired kidney with a healthy kidney that has been donated by a donor.


Living with kidney illness may be taxing on one's emotional and physical well-being; thus, it is crucial to surround oneself with supportive people and prioritize one's own health and wellness. In addition, for the best management of your disease and the avoidance of problems, it is essential that you communicate effectively with your healthcare providers.


Help from Dialysis


Aside from making lifestyle changes, following a treatment plan by a qualified doctor can also help manage chronic kidney disease better. In addition, dialysis can help improve a patient's quality of life by:


  • Reducing symptoms: Dialysis can help reduce symptoms of kidney failure, such as fatigue, weakness, and swelling in the ankles, hands, and feet.
  • Improving mental health: Dialysis can help improve mental health by reducing the burden of living with kidney failure and allowing people to continue with their daily activities.
  • Extending life: Dialysis can help extend the life of people with kidney failure by maintaining kidney function and preventing complications.


The two most common methods of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis is performed in a specialized clinic, whereas peritoneal dialysis may be done at home. Each dialysis patient has unique requirements and preferences. Thus it is important to consider those factors while making treatment decisions.


Despite its benefits, dialysis cannot reverse renal failure and can only prolong a patient's life expectancy. Therefore, unless they obtain a kidney transplant, persons with renal failure will need to be on dialysis for the remainder of their lives.



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