5 Killer Quora Answers on Chronic Kidney Disease

Posted by admin March 16, 2023

5 Killer Quora Answers on Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease 

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive loss of kidney function over time. It is characterized by a decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the presence of kidney damage for more than three months. Common causes of CKD include diabetes, high blood pressure, and glomerulonephritis. Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping.

CKD can also lead to other health problems such as anemia, bone disease, and cardiovascular disease. Treatment options may include medication, lifestyle changes, and in advanced stages, dialysis or kidney transplant. Early detection and management can slow the progression of the disease.

 

SYMPTOMS OF  CHRONIC  KIDNEY DISEASE

Symptoms of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms or only mild symptoms, while in later stages, the symptoms can become more severe. Some common symptoms of CKD include:

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Sleep problems
  • Itchy skin
  • Muscle cramps
  • Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
  • Changes in urine, such as foamy or dark urine, or a decrease in urine output
  • High blood pressure
  • Dry, itchy skin
  • Anemia
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Chest pain, if fluid builds up around the lining of the heart

It’s important to note that some of these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and not all people with CKD will experience all of these symptoms. It’s best to speak with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis.

 

DIAGNOSIS OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is typically diagnosed through a combination of lab tests and physical examinations. Common tests used to diagnose CKD include blood tests to measure kidney function (such as creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)), urine tests to check for protein or red blood cells, and imaging tests such as ultrasound or a CT scan to check the size and shape of the kidneys. A biopsy may also be done to take a sample of kidney tissue for examination under a microscope. If a patient is found to have CKD, further testing may be done to determine the cause and stage of the disease.

 

TREATMENT  OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) involves slowing the progression of the disease, managing any associated medical conditions, and preventing complications. This may include:

  • Medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol levels
  • Medications to protect the kidneys, such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs
  • A healthy diet that limits protein, potassium, and phosphorus intake
  • Regular monitoring of kidney function through blood and urine tests
  • Treating and managing any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the CKD, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
  • Regular follow-up appointments with a nephrologist (a kidney specialist)

In advanced stages of CKD, treatment may also include dialysis or kidney transplant.

5 Killer Quora Answers on Chronic Kidney Disease

  1. What causes chronic kidney disease? Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be caused by a variety of factors, including diabetes, hypertension, and hereditary conditions. Damage to the kidneys over time can cause CKD, which can lead to end-stage kidney failure if left untreated.
  2. What are the symptoms of chronic kidney disease? Symptoms of CKD may include fatigue, weakness, decreased appetite, weight loss, and changes in urine output. As the disease progresses, patients may also experience swelling in the legs and feet, difficulty sleeping, and anemia.
  3. How is chronic kidney disease diagnosed? CKD is typically diagnosed through a combination of blood and urine tests. These tests measure the levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in the blood, and can also detect protein or red blood cells in the urine.
  4. What are the treatment options for chronic kidney disease? Treatment options for CKD include lifestyle changes such as diet modification and controlling blood sugar levels, medications to control hypertension, and kidney replacement therapy such as dialysis or transplantation.
  5. Can chronic kidney disease be prevented? CKD can be prevented or delayed by managing underlying health conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can also help prevent CKD.

REFERENCES ON CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

  1. “Chronic kidney disease: global dimension and perspectives” by V. Ronco and F. Locatelli, in Lancet, vol. 373, issue 9671, pp. 857-868, 2009.
  2. “Chronic kidney disease: epidemiology, management and prevention” by R. J. Johnson, in British Medical Journal, vol. 331, issue 7515, pp. 873-878, 2005.
  3. “Chronic kidney disease: a worldwide public health problem” by J. E. Daugirdas and K. B. Lau, in American Journal of Kidney Diseases, vol. 60, issue 2, pp. 119-126, 2012.
  4. “Chronic kidney disease: the global challenge” by D. W. Harnett, A. J. Sarnak, and J. H. Coresh, in Lancet, vol. 384, issue 9940, pp. 755-766, 2014.
  5. “Chronic kidney disease: diagnosis, classification, and stratification” by K. E. Eustace and J. W. Eustace, in American Journal of Kidney Diseases, vol. 68, issue 1, pp. 2-10, 2016.
  6. “Chronic kidney disease management in primary care” by P. Eustace and J. C. Craig, in British Journal of General Practice, vol. 68, issue 664, pp. 78-83, 2018.
  7. “Chronic kidney disease: a review” by American College of Physicians, Annals of internal medicine, vol. 157, no. 8, pp. 581-90, 2017.

These are some of the references on chronic kidney disease that I could find, I hope this helps.