Chronic kidney disease, also known as chronic renal failure, chronic renal disease, or chronic kidney failure, is much more widespread than people realize; it often goes undetected and undiagnosed until the disease is well advanced.
It is not unusual for people to realize they have chronic kidney failure only when their kidney function is down to 25 percent of normal.
As kidney failure advances and the organ's function is severely impaired, dangerous levels of waste and fluid can rapidly build up in the body. Treatment is aimed at stopping or slowing down the progression of the disease - this is usually done by controlling its underlying cause.
Fast facts on chronic kidney disease
Here are some key points about chronic kidney disease. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.
Common symptoms include blood in urine, high blood pressure, and fatigue.
Causes include diabetesand specific kidney diseases, which includes poly-cystic kidney disease.
There is no cure for chronic kidney disease, which means treatment is focused on reducing symptoms.
Diagnosis commonly occurs after blood tests, kidney scans, or biopsy.
Chronic kidney disease rarely shows symptoms until the later stages, so screening is recommended for those who are at risk..
Chronic kidney failure, as opposed to acute kidney failure, is a slow and gradually progressive disease. Even if one kidney stops functioning, the other can carry out normal functions. It is not usually until the disease is fairly well advanced and the condition has become severe that signs and symptoms are noticeable; by which time most of the damage is irreversible.
It is important that people who are at high risk of developing kidney disease have their kidney functions regularly checked. Early detection can significantly help prevent serious kidney damage.
The most common signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease include:
anemia
blood in urine
dark urine
decreased mental alertness
decreased urine output
edema- swollen feet, hands, and ankles (face if edema is severe)
fatigue (tiredness)
hypertension(high blood pressure)
insomnia
itchy skin, can become persistent
loss of appetite
male inability to get or maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction)
more frequent urination, especially at night
muscle cramps
muscle twitches
nausea
pain on the side or mid to lower back
panting (shortness of breath)
protein in urine
sudden change in bodyweight
unexplained headaches
Stages:
Changes in the GFR rate can assess how advanced the kidney disease is. In the UK, and many other countries, kidney disease stages are classified as follows:
Stage 1 - GFR rate is normal. However, evidence of kidney disease has been detected.
Stage 2 - GFR rate is lower than 90 milliliters, and evidence of kidney disease has been detected.
Stage 3 - GFR rate is lower than 60 milliliters, regardless of whether evidence of kidney disease has been detected.
Stage 4 - GRF rate is lower than 30 milliliters, regardless of whether evidence of kidney disease has been detected.
Stage 5 - GFR rate is lower than 15 milliliters. Renal failure has occurred.
The majority of patients with chronic kidney disease rarely progress beyond Stage 2. It is important for kidney disease to be diagnosed and treated early for serious damage to be prevented.
Patients with diabetes should have an annual test, which measures microalbuminuria (small amounts of protein) in urine. This test can detect early diabetic nephropathy (early kidney damage linked to diabetes).
Kidneys carry out the complex system of filtration in our bodies - excess waste and fluid material are removed from the blood and excreted from the body.
In most cases, kidneys can eliminate most waste materials that our body produces. However, if the blood flow to the kidneys is affected, they are not working properly because of damage or disease, or if urine outflow is obstructed, problems can occur.
In most cases, progressive kidney damage is the result of a chronic disease (a long-term disease), such as:
Diabetes- chronic kidney disease is linked to diabetes types 1 and 2. If the patient's diabetes is not well controlled, excess sugar (glucose) can accumulate in the blood. Kidney disease is not common during the first 10 years of diabetes; it more commonly occurs 15-25 years after diagnosis of diabetes.
Hypertension (high blood pressure)- high blood pressure can damage the glomeruli - parts of the kidney involved in filtering waste products.
Obstructed urine flow- if urine flow is blocked it can back up into the kidney from the bladder (vesicoureteral reflux). Blocked urine flow increases pressure on the kidneys and undermines their function. Possible causes include an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, or a tumor.
Kidney diseases- including polycystic kidney disease, pyelonephritis, or glomerulonephritis.
Kidney artery stenosis- the renal artery narrows or is blocked before it enters the kidney.
Certain toxins- including fuels, solvents (such as carbon tetrachloride), and lead (and lead-based paint, pipes, and soldering materials). Even some types of jewelry have toxins, which can lead to chronic kidney failure.
Fetal developmental problem- if the kidneys do not develop properly in the unborn baby while it is developing in the womb.
Systemic lupus erythematosus- an autoimmune disease. The body's own immune system attacks the kidneys as though they were foreign tissue.
Malaria and yellow fever- known to cause impaired kidney function.
Some medications- overuse of, for example, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
Illegal substance abuse- such as heroin or cocaine.
Injury- a sharp blow or physical injury to the kidney(s).
Risk factors:
The following conditions or situations are linked to a higher risk of developing kidney disease:
a family history of kidney disease
age - chronic kidney disease is much more common among people over 60
atherosclerosis
bladder obstruction
chronic glomerulonephritis
congenital kidney disease (kidney disease which is present at birth)
A doctor will check for signs and ask the patient about symptoms. The following tests may also be ordered:
Blood test- a blood test may be ordered to determine whether waste substances are being adequately filtered out. If levels of urea and creatinine are persistently high, the doctor will most likely diagnose end-stage kidney disease.
Urine test- a urine test helps find out whether there is either blood or protein in the urine.
Kidney scans- kidney scans may include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, computed tomography (CT) scan, or an ultrasound scan. The aim is to determine whether there are any blockages in the urine flow. These scans can also reveal the size and shape of the kidneys - in advanced stages of kidney disease the kidneys are smaller and have an uneven shape.
Kidney biopsy- a small sample of kidney tissue is extracted and examined for cell damage. An analysis of kidney tissue makes it easier to make a precise diagnosis of kidney disease.
Chest X-ray- the aim here is to check for pulmonary edema (fluid retained in the lungs).
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)- GFR is a test that measures the glomerular filtration rate - it compares the levels of waste products in the patient's blood and urine. GFR measures how many milliliters of waste the kidneys can filter per minute. The kidneys of healthy individuals can typically filter over 90 ml per minute.
Complications:
If the chronic kidney disease progresses to kidney failure, the following complications are possible:
anemia
central nervous systemdamage
dry skin or skin color changes
fluid retention
hyperkalemia, when blood potassium levels rise, possibly resulting in heart damage
insomnia
lower sex drive
male erectile dysfunction
osteomalacia, when bones become weak and break easily
pericarditis, when the sac-like membrane around the heart becomes inflamed
stomach ulcers
weak immune system
Homoeopathic Treatment:
Chronic kidney disease also known as chronic renal disease is a form of kidney disorder where renal function is progressively lost over a long period. This disease has got unspecific symptoms and includes loss of appetite, feeling unwell, etc. People with high blood pressure or diabetes are more likely to have CKD. This disease leads to other complications, such as cardiovascular disease, anaemia and pericarditis.
Homeopathy is an ideal and effective form of treatment chronic kidney diseases. Homeopathy is natural and tries to correct all the underlying causes of the condition. General symptoms and constitutional indications are considered in homeopathy before choosing the best medicine. Here is a list of several homeopathic medicines, which are used to treat chronic kidney diseases like Kidney Stone Treatment, along with the symptoms in case of which they are used.
Apis mellifica:This homeopathic medicine is not used in acute forms of CKD. Symptoms of this type include edematous swelling on the face, paleness, headaches, pain in the back and limb, edema plutonium, etc. It is used when there are dull aches in the kidney, reduced urination and micturition. The urine contains albumen in high levels and blood corpuscles. Eruption of the skin occurs, and the patient feels drowsy.
Arsenicum:This medicine is used in all stages of CKD and is one of the best remedies. It is used in later stages of the disease when the patient's skin becomes pale, and he develops a waxen appearance, excess thirst and diarrhoea. The shade of the urine is dark and full of albumen. Dyspnoea attacks are also observed while lying down during the night.
Aurum muriaticum:This homeopathic medicine is used to cure renal diseases such as morbus brightii caused from a gout or from syphilis. Digestive and nervous problems are indicated along with great irritability. Vertigo may also be caused.
Belladonna:Belladonna is the ideal homeopathic remedy for treating inflammation of the kidneys accompanied by piercing or burning pain in the lumbar region of the kidney. The pain reappears repeatedly with increased intensity each time.
Cantharis:This homeopathic cure is used in nephritis. There is a cutting pain in the lumbar region, the urine contains blood and the flow is in the form of drops. Cantharis is used in post diphtheric kidney disorders with dropsy.
Conavallaria:Conavallaria is used in case of nephritis occurring due to heart disorders. It is used when the heart functions irregularly and also in anasarca and ascites because of mitral insufficiency.
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