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Chronic Kidney Disease and its complications
Our kidneys play an important role in removing toxins and excess water from the body through the formation of urine. Kidneys are also involved in maintaining haemoglobin levels and bone health. When the normal function of the kidney is gradually lost irreversibly over a period of time, they are no longer able to remove harmful toxins and excess fluid effectively, leading to various complications in the body affecting almost all organ systems, and even leading to death if not treated on time. This condition is known as chronic kidney disease (CKD) or chronic kidney failure. Continue reading to know the complications, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention tips shared by our experienced nephrologists in Delhi.
Synopsis
Common complications of CKD
The most common complications of CKD include:
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Fluid retention leads to high blood pressure, fluid build-up in the lungs and swelling in the arms and legs
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Heart diseases leading to heart failure
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Bone weakness leads to an increased risk of fractures
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Anaemia
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Reduced immunity
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Pregnancy complications
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Loss of memory or seizures
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Death
CKD is a progressive condition but the help of a Nephrologist and regular medical advice can help slow down the progression of CKD
CKD Burden
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health concern in India, with a prevalence estimated to be around 14% in the general population. This means that roughly 1 in 7 adults in India has CKD. Several factors contribute to the high CKD burden in India, including diabetes, lack of awareness and limited access to healthcare services. The high prevalence of CKD poses a significant challenge to India's healthcare system.
Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease
CKD can be medically classified through Stages 1 to 5 depending on the severity of the condition.
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Stage 1-3: Mild to moderate kidney damage.
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Stage 4: Severe kidney damage.
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Stage 5: Complete kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant.
Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
The most common chronic kidney disease symptoms may include:
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Leg swelling
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Fatigue and weakness
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Muscle cramps
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Itching
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Hypertension
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Chest pain and shortness of breath.
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Sleeplessness
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Loss of memory
Consult our Kidney Hospital In Dwarka, Delhi and book an appointment with our top nephrologist, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms of chronic kidney disease.
Risk Factors of Chronic Kidney Disease
The most common causes of CKD include:
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Diabetes mellitus
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Hypertension
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Polycystic kidney disease
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Chronic Glomerulonephritis
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Recurrent urinary tract infection and obstruction.
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Cardiovascular disease
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Elderly age
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Smoking
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Obesity
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Family history of kidney disease.
Prevention and Lifestyle Modification
Lifestyle plays an important role in the development and progression of CKD to the end stages.
Golden rules for healthy kidneys:
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Avoid smoking and alcohol
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Control your BP and sugar
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If you have a family history of kidney disease, then regular kidney tests after consulting with your doctor
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Avoid painkillers and irrational use of antibiotics
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Keep yourself active and fit so that your kidneys remain active and fit.
Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease
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Our expert nephrologist in Delhi will take down a detailed history of the signs and symptoms, and family history and carry out a thorough physical examination during the first visit. He will additionally request certain blood tests, urine tests and ultrasonography to detect any abnormality. A biopsy may be done to understand the cause of the kidney problem.
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The aim of overall management should be to manage signs and symptoms, treat complications and slow down the progression of the condition. Chronic kidney disease treatment is generally individualised as per the patient’s conditions and needs. Kidney disease treatment in Delhi may include medical management of hypertension, anaemia, swelling, improving bone strength and a kidney-friendly diet to minimize the kidneys’ workload.
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Patients with stage 5 CKD need regular dialysis or a renal transplant for survival. Consult our best kidney doctor in Delhi if you or your loved one is suffering from chronic kidney disease. You can also book an appointment online.
Consult our Best Kidney Hospital In Delhi if you need treatment and diagnosis for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
Explore our official blog page to read the latest blogs shared by our nephrologists and other doctors. Our blog page is a trusted source to gather medically accurate information on topics related to health and nutrition.
FAQ's
GFR refers to the glomerular filtration rate and signifies how well the kidneys are functioning to remove the toxin waste product creatinine from the blood. A GFR value of less than 60 ml/min denotes significant kidney damage.
Estimated GFR or eGFR is used for staging CKD. eGFR is inversely proportional to CKD staging.
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Stage 1: eGFR ≥90 ml/min
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Stage 2: 60-89 ml/min
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Stage 3: 30-59 ml/min
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Stage 4: 15-29 ml/min
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Stage 5: <15 ml/min
A kidney-friendly diet will help to protect the kidney from further damage. Visit Manipal, the best kidney hospital in Delhi NCR for diet-related queries. Some of the most common dietary changes recommended for CKD include:
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Cutting down sodium in the form of table salt, packaged and tinned food
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Limiting phosphorus by eating more fruits and vegetables and cutting down on dairy and meat
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Reducing potassium intake found in high amounts in citrus fruits, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, etc
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Limiting fluid intake
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Limiting high protein diet
Our kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining good immunity. Any conditions of the kidney are thus associated with lower immunity.
Yes, patients with CKD especially patients on Dialysis and transplant recipients on immunosuppressive drugs, are at higher risk of infections including COVID 19 due to low immunity.
Kidneys produce an active form of Vit D ( calcitriol) which helps to absorb calcium from food to maintain strong bones and skeletal system. In CKD, the kidney stops synthesizing calcitriol. To maintain blood calcium levels, the body starts removing it from the bone, thus making it brittle and prone to fracture.
Kidneys produce a hormone- Erythropoietin which is required in the process of formation of red blood cells. Thus deficiency of this hormone in CKD patients makes them prone to develop anaemia.
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