ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Chronic kidney disease

What is chronic kidney disease?

4 May 2021

It is a silent condition in which the kidneys progressively lose their physiological capacity of eliminating waste and excess fluid in the body, and maintaining electrolyte balance.

Chronic kidney disease does not usually have symptoms until after a long time, even years, and when it does, the level of kidney involvement is very advanced, so the condition is in its terminal phase, that is, when the kidneys no longer fulfill their function and the only possible treatment is dialysis or a kidney transplant.

The most frequent origin of this condition is usually diabetes and high blood pressure, although there are also other less common causes, such as:

  • Lupus.
  • Scleroderma.
  • Congenital kidney defects.
  • Exposure to chemicals.
  • Kidney blows or injuries.
  • Infections.
  • Kidney stones.
  • Intake of certain drugs.
  • Urinary reflux nephropathy.

Signs and symptoms Chronic kidney disease

At the beginning:

  • Lack of appetite.
  • Tiredness.
  • Weakness.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea.
  • Itch.
  • Skin dryness.
  • Decreased body weight.
  • General discomfort.

In advanced stages:

  • Excessive sleepiness.
  • Lack of concentration.
  • Swelling of hands and feet.
  • Cramps.
  • Bad breath.
  • Breathing problems.
  • Insomnia.
  • Vomit.
  • Paleness or darkening of the skin.
  • Aching bones.
  • Bruising.
  • Blood in stool
  • Continuous thirst.
  • Hiccups.
  • Impotence.
  • Amenorrhea.

Possible complications of chronic kidney disease include:

  • Stomach and intestinal bleeding.
  • Anemia.
  • Peripheral neuropathy.
  • Dementia.
  • Pleural effusion.
  • Cardiovascular problems.
  • Recurring infections.
  • Liver failure.
  • Edema.
  • Seizures.
  • Osteoporosis.

Diagnosis and treatment Chronic kidney disease

Once your doctor analyzes your symptoms and medical history, they will perform a physical examination to look for signs of the condition.

They will also request a urine test to check the levels of protein and creatinine, as well as blood tests to see the amount of urea nitrogen.

You may be requested tests such as computed tomography, MRI, ultrasound, and kidney biopsy.

The treatment will depend on the direct cause, which must be attacked immediately, but in all cases, blood pressure control, and change of habits will be sought, such as: 

  • Avoiding smoking.
  • Exercising daily.
  • Keeping a balanced diet, avoiding fat, sugar, salt, and excess protein.

At Saludora Medical Center’s Internal Medicine Department, we offer health care services with the highest quality and safety, from the prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and monitoring of infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological pathologies of both chronic-degenerative diseases and acute conditions, through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.

Related centers and departments Chronic kidney disease

Internal medicine
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • kidneyfund.org
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlinesplus.gov
  • msdmanuals.com
  • topdoctors.es
  • medigraphic.com
  • Loaiza-Huallpa J, Condori-Huaraka M, Quispe-Rodríguez GH, et al. Mortalidad y factores asociados en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis en un hospital peruano. Revista Habanera de Ciencias Médicas. 2019;18(1):165-175.
  • Robalino RME, Robalino GRS, Urdaneta CGM, et al. Programa de atención de enfermería, pilar de la atención de pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica. Rev Cub de Reu. 2020;22(3):.
  • Orantes NCM, Almaguer LM, Alonso GP, et al. La epidemia de enfermedad renal crónica en El Salvador: la influencia de los agroquímicos. Rev Cubana Med Trop. 2020;72(2):1-25.
  • Saborit OY, Zaldívar SN, Collejo RY, et al. Calidad de vida en adultos con enfermedad renal crónica sometidos a hemodiálisis. Rev Cub de Med Fis y Rehab. 2020;12(3):.

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    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the Saludora Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.