Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

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About

Abnormalities in kidney functioning for more than 3 months is chronic kidney disease. CKD can be detected by these tests: blood pressure, urine albumin and serum creatinine.

30 million people in the United States are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, American Indians, and Seniors are at increased risk.

- Causes: diabetes and high blood pressure are major causes.
- Treatment can help, but this condition can't be cured
- Requires a medical diagnosis
- Lab tests or imaging required
- Chronic: can last for years or lifelong

Some of the common complications of CKD include anemia, bone disease, heart disease, high potassium, high calcium, and fluid buildup. Most people with CKD will be able to control their condition with medication and regular check-ups. CKD only progresses to kidney failure in around 1 in 50 people with the condition.

Symptoms

- Can have no symptoms at all, and can range from fatigue to high blood pressure.
- Loss of appetite, malaise, or water-electrolyte imbalance.
- Kidney damage, abnormal heart rhythm, failure to thrive, fluid in the lungs, insufficient urine production, itching, kidney failure, severe weight loss

Treatment

Self-care
- Follow a low-salt, low-fat diet
- Follow a 30-minute exercise schedule everyday
- Have regular check-ups with your doctor
- Do not smoke or use tobacco
- Limit alcohol consumption

Medication
Vitamin supplements, diuretics may be prescribed. In severe cases, dialysis and kidney transplantation are required.

Specialists

CKD is treatable under the expert supervision of urologists and nephrologists. mfine connects you with expert physicians! Come on board, and allow us to heal you.