Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a health crisis in the US, affecting roughly 15 % of the US population. The World Health Organization has described chronic kidney disease as one of the most neglected chronic diseases. It’s a silent epidemic associated with a lack of awareness and understanding among key stakeholders, including patients, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. Chronic kidney disease can result in life-threatening kidney failure and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
Early kidney disease is often silent and goes undetected. This is because the patient may experience little to no symptoms, and conventional lab reference ranges are designed to flag kidney disease only when it is already in a moderate to severe stage. When the kidneys work well, they filter out waste and excess fluid excreted as urine. Waste and liquids are not eliminated when the kidneys aren’t working well. This affects several bodily functions, including hormone function, blood pressure, bone, and more. The lab value called “estimated glomerular filtration rate,” or eGFR is a good measure of kidney function. A value above 90 is optimal; anything lower than 90 can indicate poor kidney function (see chart for specific values based on age).
Factors that can increase your risk of kidney disease include:
Smoking
Obesity
Being black, Native American, or Asian American
Abnormal kidney structure
Older age (65+)
Frequent use of medications that can damage the kidneys
Kidney disease can often progress silently in its early stages without noticeable symptoms. However, some signs may indicate the presence of kidney disease. Here are some common early signs:
Changes in urination: Increased frequency of urination, particularly at night (nocturia), or decreased frequency of urination can be early signs. Urine may appear foamy, dark-colored, or contain blood.
Fatigue and weakness: kidney disease can cause a decrease in the production of a hormone called erythropoietin, which is responsible for the production of red blood cells. As a result, anemia may develop, leading to fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating.
Swelling: Kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste and excess fluid from the body. When the kidneys are impaired, fluid can build up, leading to swelling in the hands, feet, ankles, or face.
Changes in appetite: Loss of appetite or a metallic taste in the mouth can occur. Some individuals may experience a sudden change in their food preferences or have difficulty eating due to nausea and vomiting.
Changes in urine output: kidney disease can affect the body's ability to regulate fluid balance. This can result in increased or decreased urine output. Some individuals may notice they have to urinate more frequently, while others may experience reduced urine output.
Back pain: kidney disease can cause persistent pain in the lower back, just below the rib cage. The pain may be dull and continuous or sharp and severe.
Skin problems: Kidney dysfunction can lead to dry and itchy skin, often accompanied by rashes or changes in skin color.
Elevated blood pressure: Healthy kidneys help regulate blood pressure. However, when kidney function declines, blood pressure can rise, leading to hypertension.
It's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than kidney disease. If you experience any persistent or concerning symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. Early detection with diet and lifestyle modification can help to slow down kidney decline.
For more information about kidney disease, please call AMA Medical Center at (781) 581-6181 or contact us online. Schedule your consultation with the best doctors in Lynn, MA!
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