Is Chronic Kidney Disease fatal?
The kidneys are essential to our body's ability to process waste. Their primary job is to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood, which is then passed through the body in our urine.
Chronic kidney disease is the steady loss of normal kidney function. Chronic kidney disease results in the buildup of dangerous amounts of waste, electrolytes, and fluids in the body, ultimately causing other health issues.
Early-stage kidney disease may or may not result in obvious symptoms. Unfortunately, many people don't realize they are suffering from chronic kidney disease until it has advanced to a more severe stage.
To treat kidney disease, doctors use various methods to slow kidney damage. Although chronic kidney disease can be progressive, treatment from a Nephrologist, a doctor specializing in kidney care, can help slow the progression. Lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and exercise, will also have a positive effect.
If a patient ultimately reaches the point of end-stage kidney disease, death is inevitable unless they are put on dialysis or receive a transplant. That's why early detection is crucial to slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Chronic Kidney Disease symptoms
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 37 million Americans, or 15% of adults, have chronic kidney disease.
The symptoms and signs of kidney disease usually develop slowly over time, depending on the progression of the kidney damage. Because kidney disease causes fluid and waste buildup, depending on the severity of the patient's condition, progressive kidney disease can cause any combination of the following symptoms:
Appetite loss
Vomiting
Nausea
Weakness
Fatigue
Sleep problems
Urination issues (more frequently or less frequently)
Decreased mental alertness
Muscle cramping
Swelling of the feet or ankles
Itchy, dry skin
Hypertension
Difficulty breathing
Chest pain
Usually, kidney disease symptoms are nonspecific, which means that they are similar to symptoms associated with other illnesses. Unfortunately, some patients do not develop symptoms of kidney disease until there has been irreversible damage.
Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is usually caused by another condition or illness that impairs your kidney's ability to function, causing progressive kidney damage that worsens over time.
Illnesses and diseases that result in kidney disease can include:
High blood pressure
Type 1 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes
Glomerulonephritis, which is the inflammation of filtering units in the kidney
Interstitial nephritis, which is inflammation of tubules or surrounding structures of the kidney
Inherited kidney disease, like polycystic kidney disease and others
Prolonged urinary tract obstructions due to kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, or certain types of cancers
Vesicoureteral reflux, which is a condition causing urine to build up in the kidney
Recurring kidney infections, also known as pyelonephritis
Chronic Kidney Disease risk factors
Some of the risk factors associated with kidney disease may include the following:
Obesity
Smoking
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Heart disease
Ethnic background (Black, Asian American, and Native American populations are especially at risk)
A family history that includes chronic kidney disease
Kidney structure abnormalities
Age (older populations are more at risk)
The frequent and prolonged use of certain medications known to cause kidney damage
Complications related to Chronic Kidney Disease
When you suffer from chronic kidney disease, every body part can be affected.
Some of the most common complications of chronic kidney disease include:
The retention of fluid, which can result in increased blood pressure, swelling, or a buildup of fluid in the lungs
A sudden jump in levels of potassium, which can affect the heart and result in death
Heart disease
Anemia
Weak bones, causing an increased bone fracture risk
Reduced fertility, a decrease in sex drive, or erectile dysfunction
Central nervous system damage, resulting in seizures, difficulty concentrating, or personality changes
Decreased immune function, making you more susceptible to illness and infection
Pericarditis, which is the inflammation of the membrane around the heart
Pregnancy complications that put both the mother and fetus at risk
Irreversible, life-threatening kidney damage resulting in the need for dialysis or transplant
How to prevent Chronic Kidney Disease
Although it is a life-altering condition that can be fatal, there are steps you can take to lower the risk of chronic kidney disease, including:
Always follow nonprescription pain medicine instructions. Taking too many over-the-counter pain medicines, like aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil), can cause kidney damage. Always carefully follow the directions included with any medications you are taking.
Always maintain a healthy weight. Individuals with a healthy weight have a reduced risk of chronic kidney disease. If you are currently a healthy weight, keep it through diet and exercise. If you are overweight, talk to your doctor and discuss strategies for losing weight.
Do not smoke cigarettes. Cigarette smoking damages the kidneys and also worsens existing kidney damage. If you smoke, discuss strategies to quit with your doctor. There are medications, counseling, and support groups available.
Manage your existing medical conditions. For example, if you suffer from conditions or diseases that put you at risk for chronic kidney disease, your doctor can work with you to help manage them.
Chronic Kidney Disease: the bottom line
Once it progresses to its end stage, chronic kidney disease is fatal without dialysis, the artificial filtering of your blood, or a kidney transplant.
Unfortunately, it can be challenging to recognize the signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease until the illness has become more advanced. However, there are certain lifestyle changes that you can make to help reduce your risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
In summary, early detection remains vital in preventing fatal outcomes related to chronic kidney disease. If you believe you are at risk of kidney damage or experiencing symptoms of chronic kidney disease, ask your physician about your kidney function. If your kidney function is impaired, consult a nephrologist to begin treatment.
If you suffer from chronic kidney disease, the team at Reset Kidney Health can help. We know from experience that early treatment for kidney disease saves lives. With Reset, you can easily schedule appointments with our world-class nephrologists and nutritionists. Our clinical staff can provide you with the exceptional treatment you deserve from the comfort of your home. We are currently accepting new patients. Call us today to speak with a member of our care team.
