Signs of Kidney Disease

What is kidney disease? What are the signs, and how is it treated?

There are two types of kidney disease: acute and chronic. But having kidney disease doesn’t mean one can’t live an everyday life.

This post will review the two types of kidney disease, their indicators, causes, and available treatments.

Symptoms of Kidney Disease

There are several indications of kidney disease, including weight loss and poor appetite, swollen ankles, feet, or hands (due to water retention), shortness of breath, tiredness, muscle cramps, headaches, blood in urine, and erectile dysfunction in men.

How is kidney disease determined?

You should see your general physician immediately if you have any of the above symptoms. Other factors can cause the symptoms listed above, so seeing your doctor is important.

Your doctor will request specific tests to determine whether you have it and, if you do, how to monitor it. One of those tests is a blood test called a GFR test, which stands for Glomerular Filtration Rate. This test checks how well your kidneys work. Additional tests include a urine test that will check for a substance called albumin. Also, an ultrasound can confirm whether your kidney failure is acute or chronic.

Acute or chronic?

Acute kidney disease (AKD) or acute kidney (renal) failure occurs when your kidneys suddenly stop working. This can happen after a kidney injury, medications that can damage kidneys, cholesterol deposits, blood clots, or an autoimmune disease. The disease progresses over a few hours or a few days. If not treated straight away, this trauma can lead to chronic kidney disease or failure.

Risk factors for AKD include a lengthy hospital stay, particularly in ICU, diabetes if you are a senior adult if you have coronary heart disease if you have heart failure or high blood pressure, and more.

Including the symptoms listed above, some additional symptoms to look for in AKD patients include urinating less than usual, joint pain, confusion, chest pain or pressure, muscle twitching, vomiting or feeling the urge to vomit, fevers, rash, and nosebleeds. In severe cases, a patient might be at risk for seizures or coma.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is when there is a decrease in liver function over time. Early on, you might only have a few symptoms and might only realize you have the condition once it has reached an advanced stage. Also, because your body will adjust to a reduction in kidney function, CKD is sometimes diagnosed if a routine test for another condition detects a problem.

Treatments for Kidney Disease

Acute Kidney Disease

Treatment for AKD requires hospitalization, mainly if symptoms are severe. If caught early, it can be treated with diet by limiting your use of salt at least until your kidneys heal. Your doctor may take you off any previously prescribed medications and prescribe others. Infusing fluids via an IV is another method, and so is dialysis in severe cases.

There are five stages of CKD. Treatment will depend on what stage you are in based on the results of your GFR. They are:

• Stage 1: No sign of the disease. You have a standard or high GFR, meaning your GFR is greater than 90 mL/min.
• Stage 2: Shows signs of mild CKD. Your GFR is between 60-89 mL/min.
• Stage 3A: Indicates moderate CKD. Your GFR is between 45 and 59 mL/min.
• Stage 3B: Shows signs of moderate CKD. Your GFR is between 30 and 44 mL/min.
• Stage 4: Indicates severe CKD. Your GFR is between 15 and 29 mL/min.
• Stage 5: Indicates End Stage CKD. Your GFR is less than 15 mL/min.

About half of the patients with stage 3 CKD will progress to stage four or five within ten years. Unfortunately, there is no cure for CKD. Still, the use of some medications has been able to slow the development of this disease. Therefore, you must learn to live with this condition.

One can live with kidney disease. To do so means preventing it in the first place. Doctors recommend the following:

1. Get physically active. It does not matter how severe or painful your condition is; exercise is good for you. It helps boost your energy, will help you sleep better, and fights off depression.
2. Don’t start smoking. If you smoke, stop. If you can’t quit on your own, investigate smoke cessation programs and support groups.
3. Limit your alcohol intake. The occasional drink is permissible if you have kidney disease, but be sure to keep your drinks to up to fourteen units of alcohol per week.
4. Monitor your blood pressure levels. Keep it below 140/90 or whatever target your doctor has set for you.
5. If you have diabetes, stay within your targeted blood sugar levels as much as possible.
6. Get your shots and other recommended vaccinations, including flu and pneumococcal shots.
7. Take all your prescribed medications.
8. What you eat is essential for preserving good health and preventing the disease in the first place and while living with it. A balanced diet will do you wonders.
9. Add plenty of fruits and vegetables. It is recommended you aim for a minimum of five portions a day.
10. Include starchy foods like potatoes, wholegrain bread, and rice or pasta.
11. Dairy or dairy alternatives like soy milk, yogurt, and cheese made from soy.
12. Proteins like fish, eggs, beans, and meat should be a part of your diet.
13. Limit your intake of saturated fat, salt, and sugar.
14. Take all your medications. Remember, drugs have been shown to slow the progression of this disease.

If you have been diagnosed with CKD, you might be feeling down. One of the most important things you can do to dismantle negative feelings and thoughts is to seek support. This could be a therapist, family members, and friends.

Remember, you can still live a fulfilling life while living with kidney disease. Just think of all the people that love you!