The kidney is a vital organ in the body that serves important functions. These functions include cleaning your blood to remove the toxins and waste from the body. The kidney also helps in the formation of the hormone erythropoietin which is the hormone that is responsible for the formation of red blood cells in the body. The final process of the formation of vitamin D also takes part in the kidney, and therefore this is a very useful organ that your body cannot do without.

Some people get chronic kidney disease, which  is a condition where you gradually lose the function of your kidneys and you get an accumulation of toxic waste inside your body. When you visit the doctor with symptoms of chronic kidney disease, the doctor will take your medical history, do a physical examination, and order some laboratory tests. The doctor will then advise you on the best treatment method for your condition. If you live in Evergreen Park, dialysis access is available to you at Vascular Specialists.

What Are the Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease?

The symptoms of chronic kidney disease develop slowly and may sometimes take a long time before you begin noticing them. This is because the kidney can adapt to changes and compensate for them. The symptoms are not specific and they may mimic those of other conditions. Some of the symptoms of chronic kidney disease include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, reduced amount and frequency of urination, and confusion.

Swelling of the legs and feet, sleeping abnormalities, chest pain, itching, and shortness of breath are other possible symptoms of chronic kidney disease. Sometimes you may develop symptoms that mimic those of hypertension like dizziness, headaches, and excess fatigue. It is very important to seek medical attention when you notice these symptoms to avoid complications.

Chronic kidney disease brings about various complications, including anemia, alterations in mental function leading to reduced concentration and memory, kidney failure, heart issues, and weakened muscles and bones. The risk of fractures is heightened due to bone weakness, adding to the challenges associated with this condition.

These complications often become more pronounced in old age, where overall health tends to decline more rapidly. Managing these diseases becomes challenging for individuals, given the increased level of care required. In such situations, individuals usually have two options: either opt for in-house care from professionals or consider moving to assisted living for seniors. In this way, they can have a comfortable living environment tailored to the specific needs of patients dealing with chronic kidney disease.

What Causes Chronic Kidney Disease?

Some conditions put you at risk of getting chronic kidney disease, like diabetes and uncontrolled hypertension. Anatomical abnormalities of the kidneys, like polycystic kidneys and abnormalities in the structures of the tubules, also put you at a higher risk of getting chronic kidney disease. Other causes of chronic kidney disease include smoking, obesity, having a family history of kidney diseases, cancers, and untreated urinary tract infections.

You can prevent the development of acute kidney disease by adhering to the medications that your doctor has prescribed for you, managing your weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise, quitting smoking, and seeking treatment for the other medical conditions that you have like diabetes and high blood pressure.

In summary, chronic kidney disease is a condition that is characterized by a reduction in the function of the kidney, causing an accumulation of toxic waste in the body. The symptoms of the condition are non-specific but may include fatigue, urination changes, and swelling of the feet. Seek medical treatment when you get these symptoms to prevent complications like kidney failure and heart diseases.