Chronic Kidney Disease is a major health problem that is commonly seen all over the world. The results of a screening study conducted by the Turkish Society of Nephrology show that 1 out of every 6–7 adults in Turkey has chronic kidney disease. Nevertheless, according to studies conducted worldwide, only 1 out of 10 kidney patients is aware of their disease. Failure to recognize the disease leads to its progression and an increase in disease-related mortality rates.
While one of the most common causes of chronic kidney disease is diabetes, it is also known that factors such as kidney stones, primary kidney diseases, infections, drug intoxications, and high blood pressure can cause this condition.
Chronic kidney disease, which may not show clear symptoms especially in the early stages, often first presents with 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 cold
- Tiredness
- Swelling in the face, hands, feet, and legs
- Decreased daily urine output
By closely monitoring their health status and attending medical examinations, individuals can enable early diagnosis, thereby preventing kidney failure and death.
To protect against chronic kidney disease, regular exercise should be performed; 6,000 steps per day are recommended. One should drink 1.5–2 liters of water daily. Daily salt intake is very high in Turkey. An intake of 5 grams per day or less is recommended. Unprescribed use of antibiotics and painkillers should be avoided, as should smoking and alcohol consumption. Ideal body weight should be maintained.
As a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations, the second Thursday of every March has been designated as World Kidney Day to draw attention to the importance of chronic kidney diseases.
Individuals who suspect that they may be showing signs of chronic kidney disease should definitely be examined by a specialist physician and take the necessary precautions. 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 problem that occurs when the kidneys gradually lose their function over time. This disease usually progresses insidiously and may not cause obvious complaints in the early stages. However, over time, waste products and fluids that accumulate in the body can have significant effects on overall health.
The question “What is chronic kidney disease?” is frequently asked by individuals who want to learn more about this condition. The disease is defined as a persistent decrease in the filtering capacity of the kidneys, known as the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). When this decrease 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 usually become noticeable in the later stages of the disease. These symptoms may include:
- Persistent weakness and fatigue
- Frequent urination at night
- Swelling under the eyes
- Edema in the legs, feet, and ankles
- Dryness and itching of the skin
- Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty concentrating
The presence of these symptoms requires the person to consult a nephrology specialist without delay. This is because chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that usually progresses silently and does not initially present with symptoms. The appearance of symptoms generally indicates that kidney function has significantly declined. Therefore, regular health check-ups are of great importance in individuals with risk factors.
As chronic kidney disease progresses, it can lead to various complications that affect many systems in the body. For example, when the kidneys are unable to sufficiently filter the blood, waste products and excess fluid accumulate in the blood and create a toxic effect in the body. This can lead to serious health problems, particularly cardiovascular diseases, as well as high blood pressure, anemia, bone mineral imbalances, and electrolyte disorders.
Recognizing chronic kidney disease at an early stage is vital in terms of stopping or slowing the progression of the disease. With early diagnosis, it is possible to implement lifestyle changes, drug treatments, and control the underlying causes of the disease (such as diabetes or hypertension). In this way, irreversible complications such as kidney failure can be prevented.
The diagnosis of chronic kidney disease is usually made with simple blood and urine tests. Measurements of creatinine level and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) provide important information about kidney function. The presence of protein or albumin in the urine may be an early indicator of kidney damage. Performing these tests at regular intervals allows the progression of the disease to be monitored.
For individuals diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, adopting a healthy lifestyle is extremely important. Limiting salt and protein intake, ensuring adequate fluid consumption, engaging in regular exercise, maintaining an ideal body weight, and quitting smoking are habits that positively influence the course of the disease. The medications prescribed by the doctor should be used regularly, and follow-up appointments should not be missed. In end-stage chronic kidney disease, where kidney function is severely impaired, dialysis treatment or kidney transplantation may become necessary. Taking the necessary measures before reaching this advanced stage plays a critical role in preserving quality of life.
Symptoms of chronic kidney disease generally develop silently and are often noticed only after the disease has progressed. Therefore, individuals who are in the risk group should not neglect regular check-ups, as these are of great importance for early diagnosis and effective treatment. For healthy kidneys, balanced nutrition, a regular lifestyle, and conscious health monitoring are vital.
Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease
The most common risk factors for chronic kidney disease include:
- Diabetes: One of the most frequently seen causes.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure): Long-term high blood pressure can damage the kidneys.
- Family history of kidney disease: Genetic predisposition increases the risk.
- Age: It is more common in individuals over 60 years of age.
- Smoking and alcohol use: May adversely affect kidney function.
- Obesity: Triggers the development of both diabetes and hypertension.
- Frequent use of painkillers: May damage the kidneys by disrupting kidney structure.
Regular health check-ups in individuals with these risk factors enable early diagnosis of the disease. Thanks to early diagnosis, the progression of deterioration in kidney function can be slowed and quality of life preserved. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits — balanced nutrition, adequate water intake, physical activity, and avoiding harmful habits — plays an important role in protecting kidney health. Therefore, it is very important for people with risk factors to both review their lifestyle and not neglect regular medical check-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chronic kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition in which the kidneys are unable to fully perform their functions. In this disease, the kidneys can no longer adequately filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood. The disease usually develops slowly over months or years and may not cause symptoms in the early stages. However, over time, the decline in kidney function leads to the accumulation of toxins in the body. This seriously threatens the person’s overall health. If the disease is not diagnosed and brought under control at an early stage, it can progress to kidney failure.
What are the most common symptoms of chronic kidney disease?
Symptoms of chronic kidney disease may vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, it may manifest as mild fatigue and weakness, while more severe symptoms appear in the later stages. The presence of complaints such as easily becoming tired and feeling weak during daily activities, edema (swelling) in the legs, ankles, and face, changes in the amount of urine (frequent urination at night, decreased or foamy urine), loss of appetite, nausea and gradual weight loss, dryness of the skin and persistent itching, difficulty concentrating and sleep problems should prompt an evaluation for chronic kidney disease by consulting a nephrology specialist.
In whom is chronic kidney disease more common?
Many common health problems are among the risk factors for chronic kidney disease. The most common causes are diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure). These two conditions can weaken the vascular structure in the kidneys and lead to loss of function. The risk of developing chronic kidney disease is higher in individuals aged 60 years and older, those with a family history of kidney disease, people who are obese, those with harmful habits such as smoking and alcohol use, and individuals who use painkillers or antibiotics for a long time without proper control. It is very important for these groups to undergo regular health check-ups.
Why is early diagnosis so important?
Because chronic kidney disease progresses insidiously, detecting it at an early stage positively affects the course of the disease. With early diagnosis, kidney function can be preserved, and the progression of the disease can be slowed down or even halted. In this way, the patient can maintain quality of life without facing advanced treatment options such as kidney failure, dialysis, or kidney transplantation. For early diagnosis, it is very important to regularly monitor blood pressure and blood sugar levels and to track kidney functions with urine and blood tests.
