Chronic Kidney Disease: Symptoms, Risks, Precautions

The prevalence of kidney disease is growing worldwide at an alarming rate. The increasing awareness through social media and print about regular check-up and control of high blood pressure and Diabetes mellitus have also played an important role in identifying at-risk patients at earlier stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

It is important to address the causes, risk factors, precautions, dietary advice and management. It is easy to be overwhelmed with the information provided with the plethora of literature available at the click of a button. Moreover, it becomes important to be able to keep misinformation at an abeyance.

As Nephrologists, we strive to create awareness among everyone to disburse the myths and at the same time, provide reassurance about the diagnosis and further management plan for patients with chronic kidney disease.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
CKD means, in the simplest of terms, an abnormal kidney function which persists for more than 3 months. Unfortunately, there may not be any symptoms in the initial stages. Hence, it is important, especially for patients with risk factors (mentioned below) to have a yearly checkup and close liaison with their family physicians to pick up the abnormalities early.

CKD progresses through various stages from early stage 1 to dialysis dependency at stage 5. This is calculated based on the serum creatinine report, from which the estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) is calculated. In simplistic terms, estimated GFR (eGFR) provides a rough idea about the percentage of functioning of both the kidneys together.

Possible symptoms of CKD
In the early stages, CKD may not always have noticeable symptoms, which is why it can go undetected for years. As the disease progresses, some of the symptoms which can start appearing are:

- Generalized fatigability
- Swelling in ankles or feet
- Frothiness in the urine
- Blood in the urine
- Swelling around the eyes especially in the morning
- Decrease in urine output
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Itchy skin

Risk factors for CKD
Patients with long standing hypertension (high blood pressure), Diabetes mellitus are at increased risk for developing CKD. Patients who have had any form of kidney issues in the past, including kidney stones are also at risk. Age more than 60 years, Obesity, patients with underlying heart disease, smokers, using over-the-counter medications (especially pain killers for a long time), family history of kidney disease are some of the other risk factors. 

Learn more about Diagnosis, Precautions, Interventions of Chronic Kidney Disease.

At P. D. Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, we have a dedicated Department of Nephrology for a comprehensive and holistic care of CKD patients. In case of doubts and guidance, you can book an appointment with Dr. Ayan Dey, Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician or call on 022 6766 8181/022 4510 8181 for appointment.