Chronic Kidney Disease: Causes, Treatments and Tips
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition that damages the kidneys and causes them to become less able to remove toxins from the body, is known as. This progressive condition can lead to increased blood pressure or diabetes. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, CKD affects more than 37,000,000 Americans.
What's Chronic Kidney Disease?
CKD refers to impairment in kidney function due to a variety of diseases and conditions. CKD can be classified as glomerulonephritis (inflammation in the small filters of your kidneys) and chronic interstitial nephritis (inflammation of the tissues between the kidney tubules).
CKD is divided into five stages. Stage 1 can indicate mildly impaired kidney function, while Stage 5 may be indicative of end-stage renal disease. The symptoms of CKD vary depending upon the stage, but may include fatigue, swelling and difficulty breathing.
The Common Causes Of Chronic Kidney Disease
CKD can also be caused by other medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Other factors that can cause CKD are:
- Hepatitis B and C, HIV/hepatitis B, or C Infections
- Polycystic kidney disease, a genetic disorder, is one example.
- Some Medications such as the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), are not recommended.
- Excessive Alcohol consumption
- Heavy metal poisoning
- Tumors or kidney stones are examples of obstructions
There are many common treatments for chronic kidney disease
The stage and underlying causes of CKD will determine the treatment. Treatment focuses in many cases on the management of the underlying cause, which may include controlling diabetes and blood sugar. You may also consider:
- ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blocking medications are used to lower blood pressure and prevent further kidney damage.
- Dialysis is an artificial method of filtering the blood in order to eliminate toxins or waste products.
- The only treatment for CKD that lasts is kidney transplantation.
Although the effectiveness of these treatments varies depending on the individual, research shows that they can slow down the progression of CKD as well as reduce the chance of complications.
Views of experts and professionals on chronic kidney disease
A recent study in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that early intervention was key for slowing the progression of CKD. Individuals who began treatment within one-year of being diagnosed had more success than those who waited. To optimize results, researchers recommended that treatment should be initiated as soon after diagnosis as possible.
Another study at Mayo Clinic showed that lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake or exercising more often can help to slow down the development of CKD. Researchers concluded that lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet could have a significant impact on the progression of CKD.
There are natural remedies and tips for chronic kidney disease
You can find natural ways to manage the symptoms and stop its progression. They include:
- Healthy eating habits that are low in fat, salt, and Cholesterol
- To flush out toxic substances, drink lots of water
- You should avoid smoking, drinking alcohol and using caffeine.
- Healthy weight
- Regular exercise is important to keep your heart and muscles strong.
- Relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga can be used to manage stress.
Individuals can also find support groups and talk to a counsellor to help them deal with emotional issues of living with CKD.
Conclusion
If left untreated, chronic kidney disease can lead to serious problems. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to manage symptoms and slow down the progression of the condition. Individuals can manage their conditions by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, as well as finding support and emotional help.
CKD can be treated with the right care. Lifestyle changes and early diagnosis can slow down the progression of CKD and increase quality of your life.