Overview of CKD
CKD, or Chronic Kidney Disease, is defined the presence of reduced kidney function for more than 3 months (no matter what the cause) OR the presence of 'kidney damage'. 'Kidney Damage' includes: Possible findings in those with CKD
Stages of CKD
There are five stages of CKD. "Other" includes: Because your health is important! CKD can be managed once it’s caught. It can also lead to anemia, bone and heart disease. Patients with a low GFR (less than 30 mL/min) should learn how to preserve and maintain their kidney function. They should also seek education about both kidney dialysis and kidney ...
CKD Can Cause Anemia
Anemia is a condition where you don’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by the kidney that facilitates red blood cell maturation within the bone marrow. CKD patients don't produce enough of this hormone and therefore are often anemic. The good news is that ...
Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Failure
Kidney failure is very serious and potentially fatal. The signs and symptoms may include high BP, edema of legs, shortness of breath (from water retention in lungs), reduced urine output. Weakness, easy fatiguability, nausea poor appetite and confusion can be symptoms of advanced kidney failure. It is important to remember that some patients may not have any symptoms and kidney ...
Uremia & Advanced CKD
The gradual decline in kidney function is initially asymptomatic. A renal failure progresses the kidneys have a harder time removing excess solutes (sodium, potassium, phosphorus), fluid, acid (hydrogen ions) and blood urea nitrogen. Retention of BUN results in a clinical state called 'uremia'. Manifestations of this include fatigue, weakness, nausea, poor appetite, reduced concentration, confusion and lethargy. There is not ...
CKD Education
These key points are especially important once the GFR is less than 30 ml/min. High blood pressure is a self-perpetuating cycle since hypertension can be the cause AND effect of CKD. Some of them are: