Chronic kidney disease is the slow loss of kidney function over time. The main function of the kidneys is to remove wastes and excess water from the body.
Alternative NamesKidney failure - chronic; Renal failure - chronic; Chronic renal insufficiency; Chronic kidney failure; Chronic renal failure
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsChronic kidney disease (CKD) slowly gets worse over time. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms. The loss of function usually takes months or years to occur. It may be so slow that symptoms do not occur until kidney function is less than one-tenth of normal.
The final stage of chronic kidney disease is called end-stage renal disease(ESRD). The kidneys no longer function and the patient needs dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Chronic kidney disease and ESRD affect more than 2 out of every 1,000 people in the United States.
Diabetes and high blood pressureare the two most common causes and account for most cases.
Many other diseases and conditions can damage the kidneys, including:
Chronic kidney disease leads to a buildup of fluid and waste products in the body. This condition affects most body systems and functions, including red blood cell production, blood pressure control, and vitamin D and bone health.
SymptomsThe early symptoms of chronic kidney disease often occur with other illnesses, as well. These symptoms may be the only signs of kidney disease until the condition is more advanced.
Symptoms may include:
Other symptoms that may develop, especially when kidney function has worsened:
High blood pressure is almost always present during all stages of chronic kidney disease. A neurologic examination may show signs of nerve damage. The health care provider may hear abnormal heart or lung sounds with a stethoscope.
A urinalysis may show protein or other changes. These changes may appear 6 months to 10 or more years before symptoms appear.
Tests that check how well the kidneys are working include:
Chronic kidney disease changes the results of several other tests. Every patient needs to have the following checked regularly, as often as every 2 - 3 months when kidney disease gets worse:
Causes of chronic kidney disease may be seen on:
This disease may also change the results of the following tests:
TreatmentControlling blood pressure is the key to delaying further kidney damage.
Other tips for protecting the kdineys and preventing Heart disease and stroke:
Always talk to your kidney doctor before taking any over-the-counter medicine, vitamin, or herbal supplement. Make sure all of the doctors you visit know you have chronic kidney disease.
Other treatments may include:
You may need to make changes in your diet. See: Diet for chronic kidney disease for more details.
Different treatments are available for problems with sleep or restless leg syndrome.
Everyone with chronic kidney disease should be up-to-date on important vaccinations, including:
When loss of kidney function becomes more severe, you will need to prepare for dialysis or a kidney transplant.
See: Kidney disease - support group
Expectations (prognosis)Many people are not diagnosed with chronic kidney disease until they have lost much of their kidney function.
There is no cure for chronic kidney disease. Untreated, it usually progresses to end-stage renal disease. Lifelong treatment may control the symptoms of chronic kidney disease.
ComplicationsTreating the condition that is causing the problem may help prevent or delay chronic kidney disease. People who have Diabetes should control their blood sugar and blood pressure levels and should not smoke.
ReferencesTolkoff-Rubin N. Treatment of irreversible renal failure. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 133.
Mitch WE. Chronic kidney disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 131.
KDOQI. KDOQI Clinical Practice Guideline and Clinical Practice Recommendations for anemia in chronic kidney disease: 2007 update of hemoglobin target. Am J Kidney Dis. 2007; 50:471-530.
KDOQI; National Kidney Foundation II. Clinical practice guidlines and clinical practice recommendations for anemia in chronic kidney disease in adults. Am J Kidney Dis. 2006;47(5 Suppl 3):S16-S85.
Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI). K/DOQI clinical practice guidelines on hypertension and antihypertensive agents in chronic kidney disease. Am J Kidney Dis. 2004; 43(5 Suppl 1):S1-S290.
Chronic kidney disease is commonly referred to by its abbreviation, CKD. The scientific name for chronic kidney disease is chronic renal insufficiency.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease should not be treated with honey and cinnamon. It is unlikely that they will hurt your kidneys, but they won't really help it either.
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease
"Chronic" just means long term. Not necessarily "life threatening" or "life shortening". Hence most forms of kidney diseases would be described as "chronic".
Kidney failure. This may sometimes be reversed, and patients can be assisted by dialysis for a time, but complete failure needs a transplant.
Kidney transplantation is performed on patients with chronic kidney failure, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Chronic Kidney Disease
He died of chronic emphysema and kidney disease
CAUSES OF CAT KIDNEY DISEASE Cat Chronic Kidney Failure- A variety of chronic conditions causing exaggerated, abnormal and/or immune reactions can result in Feline Chronic Kidney Disease and failure. Chronic Dental Disease Chronic bacterial and viral infections Chronic skin allergies Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and hormonal disorders like Diabetes Mellitus Blood pressure abnormalities: too high or too low
Brights disease is what we know as kidney disease (acute or chronic nephrotitis). It is just simply an obsolete term.