Kidney diseases mean your kidney functions poorly, which is why you’ve symptoms like itching, trouble sleeping, shortness of breath, changes in urination, chest pain, headaches, loss of appetite, etc. And if you don’t treat your kidney disease early on, then it takes the form of a chronic condition where your options are limited to lifelong dialysis, a kidney transplant, or managing symptoms without a cure.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
Chronic Kidney Disease, or CKD, is a long-term condition defined by kidney damage or a reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) that lasts for 3 months or more in some cases. Kidney damage is often indicated by high levels of albumin in the urine, while a reduced GFR, the primary measure of kidney function, is a rate below 60 mL/min/1.73 m². CKD is a progressive disease, so if you don’t seek treatment, it can get worse with time, potentially leading to end-stage kidney failure.
How Does the Kidney Function?
Kidneys are important organs in our body. They’re responsible for removing waste and regulating fluids. On a daily basis, our kidneys filter the blood each day. They remove metabolic waste products, such as urea and creatinine, as well as excess water and toxins.
Our kidneys maintain the levels of water, salt, and essential minerals (electrolytes) such as sodium and potassium in the blood. In addition to this, the Kidneys produce vital hormones, such as Erythropoietin (EPO) and Calcitriol.
Kidneys help to keep the body's pH level within a very narrow, healthy range. They do this by either removing or retaining acids and buffers as per the body's demand.
What are the Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease?
You can see some signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease. But be cautious, as these symptoms might develop slowly if the kidney damage is in the early phase. In case of loss of kidney function, there is a buildup of fluid or body waste, or you could have electrolyte problems. Depending on how severe your kidney condition is, loss of kidney function can cause:
- Decreased Urine Output
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue and weakness
- Sleep problems
- Muscle cramps
- Swelling of feet and ankles
- Itchy & dry skin
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
When to Consult with a Nephrologist?
You need to see a doctor, a kidney specialist (nephrologist) if you notice the above symptoms. They’ll run a few tests to evaluate your condition. The Nephrologist might suggest the following tests depending on your condition:
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): This is the most important blood test for kidney function. It provides an estimate of how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. The eGFR is calculated using a formula that includes a patient's serum creatinine level, age, sex, and sometimes other factors.
- Serum Creatinine: Creatinine is a waste product from normal muscle metabolism. Healthy kidneys filter it from the blood. A high level of creatinine in the blood suggests that the kidneys are not working effectively.
- Urinalysis: This is a basic test that examines a urine sample for color, clarity, and the presence of substances that should not be there. It can detect blood, protein, and other abnormalities.
- Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (uACR): This is a key test to screen for kidney damage. It measures the amount of albumin (a type of protein) in the urine and compares it to the creatinine level. The presence of albumin in the urine (albuminuria) is an early sign of kidney disease.
- 24-Hour Urine Collection: In some cases, a patient may be asked to collect all of their urine over a 24-hour period. This provides a more accurate measure of protein excretion and overall kidney function.
- Kidney Ultrasound: This is a common and non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the kidneys and urinary tract. It can show the size and shape of the kidneys and detect blockages, cysts, or other structural abnormalities.
- CT Scan or MRI: These tests provide more detailed images of the kidneys and surrounding structures than an ultrasound. They may be used to look for tumors, obstructions, or other complex issues.
- Kidney Biopsy: This is a more invasive procedure where a small sample of kidney tissue is removed using a thin needle. The tissue is then examined under a microscope to determine the specific cause of the kidney disease and the extent of the damage. A biopsy is typically reserved for cases where the cause of the disease is unclear or to assess the effectiveness of treatment.
What are the Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease?
There could be many possible causes of your Kidneys' poor condition. For an accurate diagnosis, you should consult with a nephrologist. Here we’ve listed some common causes of CKD. Take a look below:
- Diabetes: If you have diabetes, it could be the cause of your poor kidney function. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can cause kidney damage. Because when high blood sugar levels are left unmanaged, they can injure the blood vessels in the kidneys' filtering units, or glomeruli.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): This condition can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, causing them to become narrowed and less effective.
- Glomerulonephritis: A group of diseases that cause inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units within the kidneys.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): A genetic disorder that causes numerous fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidneys, interfering with their function.
- Urinary Tract Obstructions: Conditions like an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, or certain cancers can block the flow of urine, leading to a backup that damages the kidneys.
- Recurrent Kidney Infections: Chronic or repeated kidney infections can lead to scarring and long-term damage.
- Vascular Diseases: Conditions that affect the blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis, can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, leading to a decline in their function.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus can cause the body's immune system to attack the kidneys, leading to inflammation and damage.
What are the Available Treatment Options for Chronic Kidney Disease?
Treatment depends upon the stage in which the patient has presented to the doctor. Initially (Stage 1 to 4) patients are advised lifestyle changes, sugar and blood pressure control, dietary changes, kidney supportive medications and regular follow up. Treatment becomes more complex and intensive as the disease progresses to its most advanced stages. The treatments during that stage are dialysis, a kidney transplant, and supportive care. This is advised by the nephrologist when kidney function is so low that the kidneys can no longer sustain life on their own.
Hemodialysis is the most common form of dialysis. It involves a machine (Dialyzer, an artificial kidney) to filter a patient's blood outside of the body. Blood is drawn, run through the machine, and then returned. It usually takes a few hours and is performed 3X a week at a dialysis center.
There is also Peritoneal Dialysis, in which the patient's own peritoneal membrane, the lining of the abdomen, acts as a natural filter. Waste products and excess fluid from the blood vessels in the peritoneum pass into the dialysate, which is later drained and replaced.
A kidney transplant is suggested for patients with CKD Stage 5. A patient can even be evaluated and placed on a transplant waiting list. A successful transplant frees the patient from the time-consuming and often restrictive schedule of dialysis.
Transplant recipients have more freedom with their diet and fluid intake. A functioning new kidney can restore many of the bodily functions, such as regulating blood pressure, producing red blood cells, and maintaining bone health. Its gives the patient a better quality of life.
Supportive/Palliative Care
Supportive care provides a focus on managing symptoms like fatigue, pain, nausea, and shortness of breath. It also addresses the emotional and psychological burdens of the illness, ensuring the patient's comfort and dignity in their final stages of life. This approach respects the patient's wishes and provides a compassionate alternative to life-prolonging treatments.
Why Choose Artemis for the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease?
We at Artemis Hospital are a leading choice for chronic kidney disease treatment, thanks to our comprehensive and integrated approach to care. Our team of highly experienced nephrologists and kidney transplant specialists provides personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs—from early intervention to advanced stages.
With state-of-the-art infrastructure, including advanced hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis units, as well as a successful kidney transplant program, we are fully equipped to manage all stages of CKD. Our focus on cutting-edge technology and a patient-centric model ensures high-quality care and improved outcomes for those living with kidney disease. To book a consultation, call +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp at +91 980-040-0498.
Article By Dr. Varun Mittal
Head - Kidney Transplant & Associate Chief - Uro-Oncology & Robotic Surgery (Unit I)
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between acute and chronic diseases?
Acute diseases are short-term and usually come on suddenly (e.g., flu, appendicitis). Chronic diseases develop slowly and last a long time, often for life (e.g., diabetes, chronic kidney disease).
Can you list common chronic diseases?
Yes, here are some common chronic diseases:
Can I live a normal life with Chronic Kidney Disease?
Yes, many people live active, fulfilling lives with Chronic Kidney Disease, with early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and proper treatment.
Can Chronic Kidney Disease be cured?
Yes, early-stage Chronic Kidney Disease can be cured; it can be managed by medication and other treatment plans as suggested by the nephrologist.
Can Chronic Kidney Disease go back to normal?
In most cases, Chronic Kidney Disease is not reversible. However, early-stage CKD can be stabilized with the right care.
How to check kidney function at home?
Home urine tests and blood pressure monitoring can give clues, but accurate kidney function tests (like creatinine and eGFR) require lab testing.
What not to eat when you have Chronic Kidney Disease?
Avoid high-sodium, high-potassium, high-phosphorus foods, processed foods, and excess protein especially animal protein. Always follow a renal diet prescribed by the doctor or dietitian.
Which is the nearest hospital for Chronic Kidney Disease diagnosis and treatment?
If you're near us, Artemis Hospital offers full CKD diagnostics and care. We are located at Sector 51, Gurugram, Bindapur, Haryana 122001.
How much does Chronic Kidney Disease treatment cost near me?
Costs vary based on stage, treatment type (medication, dialysis, transplant), and location. For estimates, contact Artemis Hospitals. To connect, call +91-124-451-1111.
Which is the best nephrologist for CKD?
At Artemis Hospital, our experienced nephrology team offers personalized CKD care with proven outcomes.
