Neglect and lack of proper maintenance of an object can worsen its shape. This applies to both living and non-living things, and in this context, especially Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). While it may be prevalent among the elders, CKD is often overlooked due to its unnoticeable symptoms.
The causes, symptoms, stages, and treatment
s of chronic kidney disease are examined in this article, along with how the disease primarily impacts the elderly.
Table of contents
A long-term kidney condition that gradually impairs kidney function is named as Chronic kidney disease (CKD), also known as Chronic kidney failure. The kidneys play a huge role in managing the human body and carrying out important tasks such as:
Kidneys filter wastes and excess fluid from the blood, which is then passed and released through our body as urine. If kidneys are affected, it then affects the process of waste removal along with the other above-cited processes. This creates a build-up of waste in the body, damaging other parts of the body.
Chronic kidney failure poses a threat to the well-being of a person and can lead to dire consequences.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) occurs when a disease has affected the kidneys and has been left untreated for too long. Not taking proper steps to treat the kidneys worsen its function and affect other parts of the body to fail in its tasks too.
Chronic kidney disease is a consequence of existing health problems in a body and due to neglect of the worsening kidneys. Let’s look at some of the maladies that can lead to Chronic kidney disease:
Factors that can increase the risk or worsen the condition of Chronic kidney disease are:
As mentioned previously, old age is an influential factor in developing Chronic kidney disease. Studies confirm that people over the age of 60 are more at risk of CKD than the rest of the population. The obvious reason is ageing. As the human body ages, so do the kidneys. This can wear out the kidneys and can lead to improper functioning of the organ.
Elderly people are also prone to heart conditions, diabetes, obesity and such, which then can possibly lead to Chronic kidney disease. It is crucial to take care of an aged person’s body and make sure it doesn’t progress to an even worse situation.
Regular check-ups and discipline helps the person to keep the problem at bay but first people need to check for symptoms early on as late diagnosis needs to be prevented.
Symptoms start to show up as neglect of an existing disease progresses longer and is not treated at the proper time. Catching onto the symptoms early is essential to cure the disease without major setbacks. To help you recognize and treat CKD before it becomes worse, below are a few of its symptoms:
CKD is evaluated using tests to get a more clear picture of the kidneys’ health. Two straightforward tests are used to assess CKD: the urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) and the blood test known as the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). These tests typically need to be repeated to confirm long-term damage (lasting three months or more) for determining your CKD stage.
Chronic kidney disease is primarily divided into 6 stages to make sure there is proper treatment based on the level of its seriousness. They are divided into stages 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 4 and 5.
It is to be noted that you may have Chronic kidney disease if your eGFR is less than 60 and/or your uACR is more than 30 for three months or longer. Once such results are obtained, it is highly recommended that treatment be initiated.
Although there is no known cure for chronic kidney disease, repercussions can be avoided and the condition cannot worsen. Chronic kidney disease is diagnosed and treated based on the stage of its seriousness. The causes and complications that lead to kidney damage are first treated, and if the CKD worsens it is treated as an end-stage kidney disease. Here are the most prescribed medications for Chronic kidney disease:
Diuretics are medications that assist keep your body’s fluid balance in check.
Erythropoietin (pronounced “uh-rith-roe-POI-uh-tin”) supplements, sometimes combined with extra iron, aid in the production of red blood cells.
Statin is a drug that is highly recommended to lower cholesterol levels.
To reduce the level of phosphate in your blood and shield your blood vessels from calcium deposits, you may also take a drug called a phosphate binder (calcification).
Drugs to protect kidney function and lower blood pressure, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers, are extremely helpful. A low-salt diet and a diuretic tablet are also advised.
Other than medications, it is recommended that a CKD patient follows a low-protein diet, which can help minimize the waste products in the blood. Doctors usually conduct regular check-ups to monitor the progress of CKD and null its complications. Though if it worsens and reaches the end-stage kidney disease, a dialysis or a kidney transplant is directed.
To lead a healthy life with healthy kidneys, it is a must to take care of one’s body and prevent the outcome of such diseases. While clinical treatments will be administered, there are certain remedies that a person can try on their own to prevent or manage CKD. The following practices can help a person to overcome the difficulties of bearing a Chronic kidney disease:
Chronic kidney disease can have severe consequences on the well-being of a person. Treating chronic kidney disease from the ground up is essential to preventing future complications. By identifying and treating chronic kidney disease (CKD), seniors can live longer and more comfortably.
1. What is the life expectancy for people diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease?
People who have reached end-stage kidney disease and are receiving dialysis are expected to live around 5-10 years, but many have lived up to 20-30 years.
As mentioned in the article, CKD cannot be cured, though it can be relieved through continued treatments.
Though there may be irreversible damage to the kidneys, it is fully possible to lead long lives without being highly affected by the disease.