Chronic kidney disease is damage to the kidney that persists for more than 3 months, which causes this organ to not filter metabolites from the blood properly, resulting in symptoms such as foamy urine, nausea, vomiting, cramps and swelling in the feet and ankles, for example.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be caused by decompensated diabetes, untreated high blood pressure or recurrent kidney infections, resulting in a slow and progressive decrease in kidney function.
It is important that CKD is identified as soon as the first symptoms appear, as this way it is possible to prevent the worsening of kidney damage and the development of kidney failure, and the nephrologist may recommend the use of medications, changes in diet and, in more severe cases, severe, kidney transplant.
Symptoms of chronic kidney disease
The main symptoms of chronic kidney disease are:
- Foamy or bloody urine;
- Decrease in the amount of urine;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Excessive tiredness or fatigue;
- Muscle cramps or spasms;
- Swelling in the feet or ankles:
- Constant itching all over the body;
- General malaise;
- Loss of appetite without apparent cause.
In addition, other symptoms may appear, such as difficulty falling asleep, mental confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath due to pulmonary edema, or high blood pressure that is difficult to control.
In the presence of symptoms of chronic kidney disease, it is important to consult a nephrologist, as this will allow tests to be carried out to help identify any changes in the kidney and, in this way, prevent the progression of the disease and the development of kidney failure.
Online symptom test
To find out your risk of having kidney problems, check the symptoms you may be experiencing in the symptom test below:
The symptom test is only a diagnostic tool and does not serve as a diagnosis or replace a consultation with a nephrologist.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of chronic kidney disease is made by a nephrologist through the evaluation of symptoms, health history, lifestyle habits and the results of imaging and laboratory tests, mainly.
Make an appointment with a nephrologist in the nearest region:
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Therefore, it may be recommended to carry out tests to assess the functioning of the kidneys, such as blood tests to assess albumin and creatinine levels in urine or blood creatinine levels. Understand better what creatinine is and when its dosage is recommended.
In addition, the doctor may order imaging tests such as ultrasound or computed tomography, in order to identify changes in the structure of the kidneys.
Possible causes
Chronic kidney disease is, in most cases, a consequence of chronic diseases, such as:
- Decompensated diabetes;
- High blood pressure not adequately controlled;
- Recurrent kidney infections and inflammation of the kidneys;
- Changes in the structure of the kidneys, due to malformations or cystic diseases;
- Chronic heart failure or cirrhosis, with persistent decrease in renal perfusion;
- Vascular disease, such as nephrosclerosis, with narrowing of the renal artery;
- Chronic use of anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen.
Furthermore, CKD can also occur as a consequence of chronic post-renal obstruction, as in cases of benign prostate hypertrophy, kidney stones or abdominal or pelvic tumors.
It is important that the cause of CKD is identified so that the most appropriate treatment can be initiated.
Stages of chronic kidney disease
The stages of chronic kidney disease can be defined according to the type of kidney damage and signs and symptoms that appear in:
- Stage 1 Chronic Kidney Disease: normal kidney function, but urinalysis or ultrasound results indicate kidney damage;
- Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease: reduced loss of kidney function and test results indicating kidney damage;
- Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease: moderately reduced kidney function;
- Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease: severely affected kidney function;
- Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease: severe reduction in renal function or end-stage renal failure.
Depending on the stage of the disease, the best form of treatment may be indicated to alleviate, control symptoms and prevent disease progression, as CKD has no cure.
Therefore, the use of medication, changes in eating habits and, in cases of stage 4 or 5 CKD, hemodialysis or kidney transplantation may be indicated.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for CKD aims to prevent the progression of the disease, preventing kidney failure from developing, in addition to being useful to alleviate symptoms. The treatment indicated by the nephrologist may vary according to the person’s general health status and the stage of CKD, and may be indicated:
1. Use of medicines
Medicines can be prescribed by a doctor with the aim of treating the cause of CKD and preventing some complications, and are recommended mainly in cases where there is moderate to severe impairment of kidney function, such as:
- Diureticssuch as furosemide: indicated to increase urine production and reduce swelling;
- Erythropoietin: is a hormone produced by the kidneys, which may be reduced in renal failure, which can cause anemia. Therefore, this hormone must be replaced if it is reduced and is responsible for anemia.
- Nutritional supplementation: calcium and vitamin D supplements may be necessary to avoid the risk of fractures, deformities and bone pain, which are more common in patients with chronic kidney disease. Iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements may also be necessary when anemia is present;
- Remedies to control phosphate: deregulation in phosphate levels can arise with kidney failure and alter bone metabolism, therefore, the use of medicines that control their values, such as Calcium Carbonate, Aluminum Hydroxide or Sevelamer, may be recommended.
It is important that the medicines are used according to the doctor’s instructions, as this will prevent overloading the kidneys, which can favor the development of kidney failure.
2. Change in diet
It is also important to take some care with your diet to avoid overloading your kidneys. Therefore, it is important to control the intake of salt, phosphorus, potassium and proteins, and, in more severe cases of CKD, it may also be necessary to control fluid consumption in general.
Therefore, it is recommended that people with chronic kidney disease also be accompanied by a nutritionist, who can provide further guidance on the appropriate amounts for each person, according to kidney function and symptoms presented. Find out how the diet for kidney problems is done.
Check out the video below for some guidance on how to eat for chronic kidney disease:
3. Dialysis
Dialysis is normally indicated in more severe stages of chronic kidney disease, in which the kidneys do not function or function very little, with an accumulation of toxic substances in the body, as there is no adequate filtration of the blood. There are two types of dialysis:
- Hemodialysis: This procedure filters the blood through a machine that has an artificial filter, replacing the function of the kidney. This type of dialysis is performed in the hospital or treatment center at least 3 times a week and the person must remain connected to the equipment for around 4 hours. However, the time and duration of dialysis will depend on the person’s general health;
- Peritoneal dialysis: In this type of dialysis, a liquid is used in a bag that is connected to the peritoneum, which is the membrane that covers the abdomen, through a probe, acting as a filter to eliminate toxic substances present in the blood. This type of dialysis does not need to be carried out in the hospital, and can be done at home, but it must be done every day, and some specific requirements must be met to be able to carry out this type of dialysis.
Carrying out dialysis allows you to correctly eliminate excess toxins, mineral salts and liquids that are in excess in the body.
4. Kidney transplant
Kidney transplantation is performed with the aim of restoring kidney function by exchanging a diseased kidney for a healthy one, and is indicated mainly in cases of stage 4 and 5 CKD, or in cases of patients who undergo several hemodialysis sessions per day. week.
Despite being the most effective treatment in the case of kidney failure due to CKD, it is not always possible to perform a transplant, as it is not always possible to find a compatible donor, and it is also not indicated in the case of people who have other diseases, such as cirrhosis, heart changes and cancer, for example. Find out more about kidney transplantation.
