CKD stands for Chronic Kidney Disease, which is a long-term condition where the kidneys do not work as well as they should. CKD is a condition that damages the kidneys and decreases their ability to filter wastes from the blood, leading to a buildup of excess fluid and waste in the body. CKD is a progressive disease that worsens over time, and it can lead to kidney failure if left untreated.
Some common causes of CKD include diabetes, high blood pressure, glomerulonephritis, interstitial nephritis, polycystic kidney disease, and prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract. CKD can also be caused by long-term, regular use of certain medications such as lithium and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) .
Symptoms of CKD may not appear until the disease is advanced, but they can include fatigue, weakness, difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, swelling in the legs, feet, or ankles, and changes in urination. CKD can also lead to other health problems, such as anemia, bone disease, and malnutrition, and it increases the risk of having heart disease and stroke.
To diagnose CKD, blood and urine tests are used to look for high levels of certain substances that are signs the kidneys are not working properly. Early detection and treatment can often keep CKD from getting worse, and treatment options for kidney failure include dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Its important to attend all checkups and work with healthcare providers on a treatment plan to manage CKD and prevent it from progressing to kidney failure or other serious health problems.