The kidneys perform vital functions for the body, such as regulating the balance of water, salts and minerals in the blood, eliminating toxins and controlling blood pressure. With aging, their capacity to filter wastes and eliminate excess water through urine decreases progressively, which can lead to what is known as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). According to IBERICAN data, this pathology affects more than 10% of the Spanish population.
Some specialists speak of CKD as a silent epidemic, since it initially develops asymptomatically. Most patients are unaware that they are suffering from it until they reach advanced stages of the disease, when treatments tend to be less effective, so that on many occasions they must resort to renal replacement therapy with dialysis or transplantation.
Risk Factors
Several factors may predispose to the onset of Chronic Kidney Disease . The most common include:
- Advanced age
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Immunological disorders
- Previous kidney disease
- Prostatic hypertrophy
- Prolonged urinary tract obstruction
Other factors such as smoking, obesity or family history may increase the risk of developing this pathology.
Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
In the early stages, symptoms may be mild and confused with other conditions. Some signs include lack of appetite, fatigue, feeling generally unwell, headaches and unintentional weight loss.
As kidney function deteriorates, more severe symptoms may occur , such as:
- Drowsiness or trouble concentrating
- Bone pain
- Numbness in the hands and feet
- Muscle twitching or cramping
- Susceptibility to bruising or blood in the stool
- Excessive thirst
- Itching and dry skin
- High blood pressure (hypertension) that is difficult to control
- Swelling in the hands and feet
- Vomiting
Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease
Diagnosis of CKD is based on an analysis of the patient’s medical history and symptoms. The physician will also perform a physical examination and look for signs of heart or blood vessel problems.
In addition, a complete blood and urine analysis will identify possible decreased renal activity. A renal ultrasound may be added to rule out obstruction and check the size of the kidneys. In specific cases, the medical staff may recommend performing a kidney tissue sample extraction (kidney biopsy) for a more accurate diagnosis.
Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease
Although there is no cure for CKD, it is possible to control its symptoms, reduce complications and slow its progression. Treatment will depend on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, it is crucial:
- Control blood pressure
- Monitor blood sugar, especially in people with diabetes.
- Maintain an adequate weight
- Controlling blood lipid levels
- Adjust protein, salt, fluid, potassium and phosphorus intake to avoid overloading impaired kidney function.
Therefore, a change in lifestyle, a diet low in salt and protein and, in some cases, pharmacological treatment are recommended.
In advanced stages, when renal failure reaches critical levels, the need for replacement treatments such as renal transplantation or dialysis is considered. Renal transplantation involves the placement of a healthy kidney from a donor by surgery. After the operation, the patient must take lifelong treatment to prevent rejection of the kidney, in addition to regular visits to ensure the proper functioning of the organ.
Dialysis, on the other hand, is a procedure that artificially removes waste and excess fluid when the kidneys can no longer do so, and can be performed by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
In the Nephrology Unit of Paracelso Sagasta, we emphasize the importance of regular checkups for monitoring renal health. The kidneys are essential for the balance of our body, so their proper functioning is key. Our team of specialists has extensive experience in the prevention and diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease and other renal pathologies. To make an appointment, visit our medical appointments portal or call us at 976 218 131.
