We offer Chronic Kidney Disease treatment at initial stage as well as at final stage with state-of-the-art facilities
We all have two kidneys in our body. Each kidney is the size of a fist and is bean shaped. They are located near middle of the back one on each side of the spine below the rib cage. Kidneys do many important jobs which are essential for our body like
- Remove waste product from the body
- Remove extra water from the body
- Controls blood pressure
- Help in making red blood cells
- Help in keeping bones healthy
Each kidney has approximately one million functional units called nephrons. Nephrons remove waste products and extra water from body and form urine which we pass daily. Urine which is formed passes through tubes called ureters which connect kidneys from bladder which stores urine. The urine which is stored in bladder is passed out intermittently.
What is chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is also called kidney failure or renal failure. It means kidneys are damaged and loose some of their ability to remove waste products and excess water in the body. Because of this defect in kidney function waste products build up in body and are harmful to the body. Kidney disease can be acute or chronic. Chronic kidney disease is defined as structural and functional abnormalities of kidney which are present for more than 3 months duration. CKD is a major health problem worldwide and is one of the leading causes of death.
There are five (5) stages in the kidney disease. Stage of kidney disease is determined by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the presence of kidney disease. Glomerular filtration rate is the measure of kidney function. As Chronic kidney disease progresses GFR decreases. Treatment of chronic kidney disease patients is based on stage of the disease.
| Stage | Description | Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kidney damage (e.g., protein in urine) with normal GFR | 90 or above |
| 2 | Kidney damage with mild decrease in GFR | 60 to 89 |
| 3 | Moderate decrease in GFR | 30 to 59 |
| 4 | Severe reduction in GFR | 15 to 29 |
| 5 | Kidney failure | Less than 15 |
Symptoms
Presentation of chronic kidney disease may be late. In the initial stage’s sometimes patient may feel normal without any complaints. Symptoms related to CKD are :
High blood pressure
Decreased urine output
Frothing in urine
Weakness or Fatigue (tiredness)
Unable to concentrate
Decreased appetite
Lack of sleep
Dry itchy skin
Cramping in legs
Swelling around eyes and legs
Anemia and insomnia
Blood in urine or dark urine
Itchy skin, can become persistent
Erectile dysfunction
Frequent urination
Muscle cramps or twitches
Pain on the side
Shortness of breath
Sudden change in body weight
Unexplained headaches
Causes
Chronic kidney disease occurs when a disease or condition impairs kidney function, causing kidney damage to worsen over several months or years. Diseases and conditions that cause chronic kidney disease include:
High blood pressure
Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Glomerulonephritis (an inflammation of the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli))
Interstitial nephritis(an inflammation of the kidney's tubules and surrounding structures)
Polycystic kidney disease
(inherited familial disease)
Obstructions of kidneys(from conditions such as enlarged prostate, kidney stones and some cancers)
Pyelonephritis(Recurrent kidney infection)
Vesicoureteral reflux(a condition that causes urine to back up into your kidneys)
Who are at increased risk of chronic kidney disease?
Any person can get chronic kidney disease at any age. Some people are at increased risk of chronic kidney disease like people with Hypertension, Diabetes, Family history of CKD, Overweight and obesity, Very low birth weight, Previous history of acute kidney injury, Recurrent kidney stones, Older age, Use of medicines for prolonged duration which damage kidneys (e.g., pain killers)
What are the tests to identify kidney disease?
Following tests are used to identify the kidney disease in combination as assessed by the treating doctor.
Complete urine examination
Urine will be tested for the presence of protein or blood in urine. Urine will also be checked microscopically to look for any abnormal elements. Normally urine has very small amount of protein. Any increase in protein in urine will suggest presence of kidney disease in the appropriate clinical context. Presence of red blood cells in urine also point towards the presence of kidney disease requiring further tests to confirm.
Blood test
Blood will be checked for levels of urea and creatinine which are elevated in the presence of kidney disease. Creatinine values are used to calculate GFR in the clinic.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound examination of kidneys will help us to identify the location, number, size and appearance of kidneys. Ureters and bladder are also examined by ultrasound examination. Patients with chronic kidney disease may have small kidneys, abnormal kidneys or obstructed kidneys that can be identified by ultrasound.
Sometimes a renal biopsy is required to identify the etiology of kidney disease in which a small piece of kidney is examined microscopically, and diagnosis is made.
What are the complications of chronic kidney disease?
CKD can lead to high blood pressure (high blood pressure can cause CKD and CKD can also cause high blood pressure), low haemoglobin levels (anaemia), bone weakness, heart ailments, vitamin D deficiency, weight loss, abnormal calcium and phosphate levels, increased infection risk
What is the treatment of chronic kidney disease?
Treatment of chronic kidney disease depends on stage and results of blood tests and other ailments associated. It includes:
- Treatment of high blood pressure (take medicines, restrict salt, lose weight and regular exercise)
- Controlling blood sugars in patients with diabetes (diet, regular exercise, diabetic medications)
- Treatment of anaemia (iron supplements and erythropoietin stimulation agents)
- Treatment of mineral and bone disorder (to correct calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone levels with diet restrictions and medications)
- Control cholesterol levels with diet and medications
- Regular exercise
- Follow a diet programme
- If the patient has kidney failure (GFR less than 15), he may require initiation of dialysis based on his symptoms and GFR
How to prevent chronic kidney disease?
People at high risk of chronic kidney disease should do the following to prevent the development of chronic kidney disease
- Control diabetes and high blood pressure
- Regular exercise
- Avoid carbonated soft drinks
- Stop smoking
- Avoiding weight gain
- Healthy diet
- Regular blood and urine tests
- Management of other conditions like renal stone disease, autoimmune disease, repeated urine infection etc.
Comprehensive Nephrology services under one roof
Successfully Treating -
- Acute and Chronic renal diseases
- Renal damage due to high blood pressure, diabetes, infections, tubulo-interstitial disorders, glomerular diseases
- Blood in urine (hematuria)
- Protein loss in urine (proteinuria)
- Electrolyte or acid-base imbalance
- Chronic and recurrent urinary tract infection
- Hereditary renal disorders
- Renovascular Diseases
Why Pace Hospitals?
- 150+ bedded super speciality hospital
- CGHS & ISO accreditation.
- Empanelled with all TPA’s for smooth cashless benefits.
- State-of-the-art operation theaters.
- Intensive Care Units (Surgical and Medical) with ISO-9001 accreditation.
- NABH accreditation.
- Centralized HIMS (Hospital Information System).
- Computerized health records available via website.
- Minimum waiting time for Inpatient and Outpatient.
- Round-the-clock guidance from highly qualified surgeons and physicians.
- Standardization of ethical medical care.
- 24X7 Outpatient & Inpatient Pharmacy Services.
