Chronic Kidney Disease is a significant health problem commonly encountered worldwide. According to a screening study by the Turkish Society of Nephrology, 1 in every 6-7 adults in Turkey has chronic kidney disease. However, global research indicates that only 1 out of 10 kidney patients is aware of their condition. The unawareness of the disease leads to its progression and an increase in mortality rates due to the disease.
While diabetes is one of the most common causes of chronic kidney disease, it is known that factors such as kidney stones, primary kidney disorders, infections, drug toxicities, and hypertension can also lead to this condition.
The first sign of chronic kidney disease, which may not give distinct symptoms especially in the early stages, is often fatigue and muscle weakness during daily activities. Other symptoms are listed as follows:
- Shortness of breath
- Sleep disturbances
- Vomiting, nausea
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Feeling of coldness
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the face, hands, feet, and legs
- Decrease in daily urine output
By closely monitoring their health status and visiting a doctor, individuals can prevent kidney failure and death through early diagnosis.
To protect against chronic kidney disease, regular exercise is recommended, with a daily suggestion of 6000 steps. One should drink 1.5-2 liters of water daily. In Turkey, daily salt intake is very high. A daily intake of 5 grams or less is recommended. It is essential to avoid taking antibiotics and painkillers without a doctor's prescription, and to abstain from smoking and alcohol. One should maintain an ideal body weight.
World Kidney Day is observed on the second Thursday of every March as a joint initiative by the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations to emphasize the importance of chronic kidney diseases.
Individuals suspecting the symptoms of chronic kidney disease should definitely consult a specialist physician as a precaution. Early diagnosis of the disease prevents severe conditions such as kidney failure and saves lives.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease? What are its Symptoms and Risk Factors?
Chronic kidney disease is a serious health issue that arises from the kidneys gradually losing their functions over time. This disease often progresses insidiously and may not cause noticeable discomfort in its initial stages. However, over time, the accumulating waste products and fluids in the body can have significant effects on overall health.
The question "What is chronic kidney disease?" is frequently asked by those seeking information about this condition. The disease is defined by a persistent reduction in kidney filtration capacity, known as glomerular filtration rate (GFR). If this reduction lasts longer than three months and kidney damage is present, it is referred to as chronic kidney disease.
Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
Symptoms of chronic kidney disease generally become noticeable in the advanced stages of the disease. These symptoms may include:
- Persistent fatigue and tiredness
- Frequent urination at night
- Swelling under the eyes
- Edema in the legs, feet, and ankles
- Dry and itchy skin
- Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty concentrating
The presence of such symptoms necessitates immediate consultation with a nephrology specialist. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) typically advances stealthily and often shows no initial symptoms. The emergence of symptoms usually indicates a significant reduction in kidney functions. Therefore, regular health check-ups in individuals with risk factors are of utmost importance.
As chronic kidney disease progresses, it can lead to various complications affecting multiple systems in the body. For example, when the kidneys cannot filter the blood adequately, the accumulation of waste materials and excess fluid can have toxic effects. This can lead to serious health issues, such as cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, anemia, bone mineral imbalances, and electrolyte disorders.
The early recognition of chronic kidney disease is critically important in halting or slowing the progression of the disease. With early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, medication therapies, and controlling the underlying issues (such as diabetes or hypertension) are possible. This way, irreversible complications like kidney failure can be prevented.
Typically, a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease is made using simple blood and urine tests. Measurements for creatinine levels and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) provide essential information about kidney functions. The presence of protein or albumin in the urine may be an early indicator of kidney damage. Conducting these tests at regular intervals ensures monitoring of whether the disease is progressing.
For individuals diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial. Limiting salt and protein intake, ensuring sufficient fluid intake, engaging in regular exercise, maintaining an ideal weight, and giving up smoking positively affect the course of the disease. Regular use of doctor-prescribed medications and attending follow-up appointments are necessary. In the final stages of chronic kidney disease where kidney functions are critically impaired, dialysis treatment or kidney transplantation may become necessary. Taking necessary precautions before reaching this advanced stage plays a crucial role in maintaining quality of life.
Symptoms of chronic kidney disease usually develop silently and are often noticed after the disease has progressed. Therefore, especially those in risk groups should not neglect regular check-ups, as they play a significant role in early diagnosis and effective treatment. Balanced nutrition, a regular lifestyle, and conscious health monitoring are vital for healthy kidneys.
Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease
The most common risk factors for chronic kidney disease include:
- Diabetes: One of the most common causes.
- Hypertension: Prolonged high blood pressure can damage the kidneys.
- Family history of kidney disease: Genetic predisposition increases the risk.
- Age: More common in individuals over 60 years.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption: May adversely affect kidney function.
- Obesity: Triggers the development of both diabetes and hypertension.
- Frequent use of painkillers: Can damage kidney structure.
Individuals with these risk factors should regularly undergo health check-ups to ensure early diagnosis of the disease. With early diagnosis, the progression of impairment in kidney functions can be slowed down, and quality of life can be preserved. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits — balanced diet, adequate water intake, physical activity, and avoidance of harmful habits — plays a significant role in protecting kidney health. Thus, individuals with risk factors must review their lifestyle and not neglect regular doctor check-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chronic kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease is a progressive disorder where the kidneys fail to perform their functions adequately. In this disease, the kidneys become unable to properly filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood. The disease typically develops slowly over months or years and may not cause symptoms in the early stages. However, the progressive decrease in kidney functions leads to toxin accumulation in the body, seriously threatening general health. If not diagnosed and managed early, the disease may progress to kidney failure.
What are the most common symptoms of chronic kidney disease?
The symptoms of chronic kidney disease can vary depending on the stage of the disease. In its early stages, it may present as mild fatigue and tiredness, while more severe symptoms emerge in advanced stages. The presence of quick fatigue and exhaustion during daily activities, edema (swelling) in the legs, ankles, and face, changes in urine output (frequent urination at night, scanty, or foamy urine), loss of appetite, nausea, and eventual weight loss, dry and persistently itchy skin, difficulty concentrating, and sleep problems should prompt an evaluation for chronic kidney disease by consulting a nephrology specialist.
Who is more likely to develop chronic kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease risk factors include several common health problems. The most prevalent causes are diabetes and hypertension. These two conditions weaken the vascular structure in the kidneys, leading to functional loss. Individuals aged 60 and over, those with a family history of kidney disease, those struggling with obesity, individuals with harmful habits like smoking and alcohol use, and those who have been using painkillers or antibiotics uncontrolled for long periods are at higher risk for developing chronic kidney disease. It is particularly important for these groups to have regular health check-ups.
Why is early diagnosis so important?
Since chronic kidney disease progresses silently, detecting it in the early stages positively impacts the disease’s course. Early diagnosis allows preserving kidney functions, slowing, or stopping the disease's progression. This enables the patient to maintain their quality of life without encountering advanced-level treatments, such as kidney failure, dialysis, or kidney transplantation. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and conducting urine and blood tests to monitor kidney functions hold great importance for early diagnosis.