Introduction
There is an extensive list of diseases that can cause extensive kidney damage and at times, overall kidney failure. In the US alone, over 16% of adults (over 20) have chronic kidney diseases. Over 500,000 people on currently on dialysis waiting for kidney transplants in the United States. Chronic kidney diseases do not discriminate, they can effect you whether you're young, old, Hispanic, African American, Caucasian, male or female.
Causes Of Chronic Kidney Disease
There are a lot of reasons one may experience chronic kidney diseases. Below is just a few common diseases that cause this issue:
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure is a common cause of chronic kidney diseases. High blood pressure is a condition that effects not only the kidneys but also the heart.
- Polycystic kidney: Polycystic kidney is another one of the chronic kidney diseases. Polycystic kidney is a genetic disorder of the kidneys.
- Glomerulonephritis: Glomerulonephritis is another cause of chronic kidney diseases, however Glomerulonephritis is not as common as some of the other causes. Glomerulonephritis is when there is an acute inflammation of the kidneys.
- Diabetes: Diabetes is one of the most common reasons one may have chronic kidney diseases. Diabetes is basically a disorder of ones metabolism
- Kidney stone: Kidney stones are also a common reason someone may have chronic kidney diseases. Kidney stones can usually be medically treated. It is characterized as a large mass in ones kidneys.
Symptoms
Just like with many other diseases, one who has chronic kidney diseases will experience some symptoms. Some people may experience more obvious symptoms whereas some may not have any symptoms at all. Some chronic kidney disease symptoms include:
- frequent urinating
- swelling of the legs and arms
- high blood pressure
- loss of appetite
- easy bruising
- pale skin
- headaches
- chest pains
- decreased sexual interest/ED
- bone pain and fractures
- nausea and vomiting
Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with one of the common chronic kidney diseases, there are a couple different treatment methods out there for you so not to worry.
Dietary Changes:
- Protein restriction
- Salt restriction
- Fluid intake
- Potassium restriction
- Phosphorus restriction
Besides the above chronic kidney diseases dietary changes, there are also several other life changes you can make to make sure you're properly treating your chronic kidney diseases.
- Do not smoke
- Lose weight, if you're over weight
- Avoid medications that have analgesics such as Motrin and Tylenol
- Avoid laxatives
In order to treat the issue, you'll be put on the proper prescription medications by your doctor. You may be given ACE inhibitors to keep your blood pressure down. You also may be given medications called angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Along with medications, you'll be told to follow a healthy and nutritious diet. You will also be told to begin an exercise routine. If diagnosed with chronic kidney diseases, you will want to stay away from any alcoholic beverages and cigarettes. You also will need to visit with your doctor regularly, to receive updated blood tests. Your doctor will check how your kidneys are functioning during this time and will discuss your progress.
