IRIS
Chronic kidney disease doesn’t show up overnight. It builds quietly, year after year, while life goes on as usual. You feel worn out, and you blame your work for this tiredness. Your ankles swell a little, and you ignore it. Maybe your appetite changes or your sleep feels off, but nothing seems serious enough to see a doctor. That’s how CKD works—it stays in the background, slowly wearing down your kidneys without making much noise.
When many individuals eventually seek medical attention, the damage has already advanced beyond their initial expectations. That’s what makes this condition tricky and, honestly, a little unfair. The important thing to know is that it doesn’t have to end that way. When caught early and managed properly, kidney disease can be slowed down, sometimes significantly.
You may improve your CKD by managing your co-existing medical issues, like hypertension, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol levels. Moreover, you can adopt some preventive measures to either prevent or slow down the progress of this disorder. Being aware, getting care on time, and getting the right advice can make all the difference between living with control and finding out when it's too late. Let's learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options of this disease in the following article.
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Your kidneys perform several critical functions. They maintain your entire body balance in various ways, like removing natural waste products and excess water from the body, supporting the production of red blood cells, balancing essential components in your body, helping to manage your blood pressure, and keeping your bones healthy.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs when the kidneys have been impaired for at least three months and are unable to perform all of their essential functions. CKD also raises the risk of other health issues, such as heart disease and stroke. Until the disease progresses and complications arise, many individuals living with CKD show no symptoms.
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The following factors increase your risk of getting chronic kidney disease:
The following are the common causes of chronic kidney disease:
The following are the common symptoms of chronic kidney disease:
Testing the patient's blood and urine may help doctors diagnose renal illness. These examinations are done to spot the abnormalities in the urine, such as proteins or trace quantities of blood, or elevated levels of waste products in the blood. Doctors may also order imaging studies of the kidneys using ultrasonography or computed tomography (CT).
The mainstay of treating chronic renal disease is to delay kidney damage. The appropriate treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the condition. However, renal damage may worsen even after the underlying cause has been identified and addressed. Ultimately, renal failure may develop as a result of chronic renal disease. Kidney failure is a life-threatening condition. In such a scenario, a kidney transplant or dialysis can save lives. CKD is classified into five stages according to its progression and severity. This staging has been done to assist with treatment options.
| Stage of CKD | What’s Happening in the Body | Treatment & Management Approach |
| Stage 1 | Kidneys are slightly damaged but still working almost normally | Regular monitoring, blood pressure and sugar control, healthy diet, lifestyle changes |
| Stage 2 | Mild loss of kidney function | Treat the underlying cause, follow a kidney-friendly diet, avoid painkillers, and routine follow-ups |
| Stage 3 | Moderate kidney damage | Medications, dietary restrictions (salt, protein), treatment of anemia, and bone health |
| Stage 4 | Severe loss of kidney function | Prepare for dialysis or transplant, strict diet control, and close medical supervision |
| Stage 5 (End Stage) | Kidneys have almost stopped working | Dialysis or kidney transplant, supportive care, symptom management |
A diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) could significantly impact your life. It takes time and care to treat the illness, and it lasts a lifetime. But always remember that kidney problems can be managed. Such news should provide you with a sense of comfort. As a matter of fact, many individuals manage to live long lives despite having renal illness.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be managed even though it cannot be cured. With the support of the best kidney specialists in Kolkata at the IRIS Hospital, you can manage your chronic kidney disease (CKD) with better treatment outcomes. Book your consultation now!
Q1: How to prevent Chronic Kidney disease ?
A: The best way to prevent developing Kidney disease is to maintain a regular schedule of doctors appointments throughout your life. To identify Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) early, those who are at high risk may undergo testing on a regular basis. Managing any concomitant diseases, such as Diabetes or High Blood pressure, is another step you may take to prevent Chronic Kidney disease.
Q2: What are the lifestyle modifications that can help in managing Chronic Kidney disease ?
A: A balanced Diet is also important. Quit smoking and using tobacco. Maintain a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week. Keep your weight in a healthy range. Follow precautions while using over-the-counter pain medicines, as they may harm your Kidneys if you take more than prescribed. Cut down on alcohol.
Q3: What is the expected lifespan of an individual with Chronic Kidney disease ?
A: Although CKD is life-threatening, many patients continue to lead fulfilling lives after diagnosis. The vast majority of patients with Chronic Kidney disease who receive timely care can slow down the diseases progression to Kidney failure. Thats why you should spot the early signs of CKD and get medical care as early as possible.
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