Chronic Kidney Disease

What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease is a serious kidney problem that not only threatens kidney function, but may also threaten your very life. Chronic kidney disease is characterized by a progressive deterioration of your kidneys' ability to filter wastes, toxins and excess fluid from your bloodstream.

Many people are surprised at the statistics for chronic kidney disease (often abbreviated CKD). It's estimated that more than 25 million American adults have CKD, and many more are at risk. Symptoms of chronic kidney disease often don't appear until the condition has reached an advanced stage in which kidney function has become greatly impaired and the risk of kidney failure is high.

There are many possible chronic kidney disease causes. Some are related to other kidney problems, including kidney stones, kidney infections, kidney cancer or a condition known as polycystic kidney disease or PKD. But chronic kidney disease can also be caused by other health disorders. Diabetes Type I and Type II and high blood pressure (hypertension) are two prominent causes. Others include bladder cancer, lupus, and enlarged prostate.

In addition, you are considered to be at higher risk for chronic kidney disease if you

• are a member of the African-American, American Indian or Asian-American races
• are grossly overweight
• are more than 65 years old
• have a genetic predisposition for kidney problems (CKD often runs in families)
• have cholesterol levels that are higher than normal
• have heart problems
• use tobacco products

Besides impairing kidney function, chronic kidney disease can also lead to a variety of other medical conditions. These include anemia, a weakened immune system, bone weakness, edema, and even impotence.

When chronic kidney disease reaches the stage in which the kidneys stop working (known as end stage kidney disease, or ESKD), reversing kidney disease is impossible. You are considered to have end stage kidney disease when you have lost 85 percent of normal kidney function. The only options left for staying alive at this stage are kidney dialysis or a kidney transplant. Therefore, early detection is critical (as it is with so many other diseases). With early detection, the progress of chronic kidney failure can be slowed. Symptoms can also be minimized and you can lower the risk of complications. The key to success is diagnosing and treating the underlying cause. Nonetheless, kidney function sometimes continues to deteriorate despite treatment.

The National Kidney Foundation has a program called Kidney Early Evaluation Program or KEEP®. KEEP® offers free screening for anyone in a high risk group. Those who are eligible include individuals who have reached 18 years of age with high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease. Several simple tests are used to diagnose kidney function.

Once a cause has been determined, your doctor or medical team will consider treatment options. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medications to bring it down. He or she may also recommend drugs for lowering cholesterol if your cholesterol levels are above normal. Medications for anemia, weakened bones, and swelling may be appropriate in certain cases.

A diet for people with kidney problems is now available. It's important to maintain a balance of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, protein and fluids to maintain healthy kidneys. For more detailed information click on kidney diet. 

Learn more about the dangers of kidney disease
by clicking on the book cover below or

The Kidney Disease Solution