From the famous quote of Thomas Carlyle, we can gather that the person who has the gift of health has hope in his stride; and the one who has this hope, has almost everything in life! 

What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) happens to be a condition wherein kidneys gradually lose function over time. The kidneys are basically responsible for filtering waste products from the blood, regulating the body’s fluid, electrolyte balance, production of hormones that regulate blood pressure, and red blood cell production. When these kidneys get damaged, waste products build up in the blood, the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance becomes disrupted, which can lead to a range of complications.

How do the Kidneys Function? 

Kidneys happen to be a pair of human body organs that are bean-shaped and are located in the lower back, on both sides of our spine. Each kidney contains millions of tiny filtering units called nephrons, which are responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood. The nephrons also regulate the body’s electrolyte balance by controlling the levels of sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes in the blood. Additionally, the kidneys produce hormones that help to regulate blood pressure and stimulate the production of red blood cells.

What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Disease?

In the early stages of kidney disease, there may be no symptoms at all. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may begin to appear, including the ones mentioned underneath:

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Blood in the urine
• Swelling in the legs
• Swelling in the feet
• Swelling in the face
• Swelling in the ankles
• Difficulty in sleeping
• High blood pressure
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle cramps or twitches
• Itching and/or numbness in the feet and in the hands 
• Changes in urine output (either more or less than usual)

When to Meet a Doctor for Kidney Disease Symptoms?

If you have been experiencing any of the symptoms, it is important to see a doctor. In particular, if you have any risk factors for kidney disease (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease), it is important to be screened regularly for CKD. 

What Are the Causes of Kidney Disease?

There are many different causes including those given below:

• Diabetes
• Kidney infections
• High blood pressure
• Drug and toxin exposure
• Diagnosing Kidney Disease
• Obstructive nephropathy (blockage of the urinary tract)
• Polycystic kidney disease (a genetic condition in which cysts develop in the kidneys)
• Glomerulonephritis (this happens to be the inflammation of the filtering units of the kidneys)

How to Diagnose Kidney Disease? 

If your doctor suspects that you may have CKD, they will likely order a series of tests to assess kidney function. These tests may include the below ones:

• Blood tests to measure levels of creatinine and other waste products in the blood.
• Urine tests to measure protein levels and detect the presence of blood or other abnormalities.
• Imaging tests (such as an ultrasound or CT scan) to visualize the kidneys and detect any structural abnormalities.
• Kidney biopsy (in which a small sample of kidney tissue is removed and examined under a microscope) to diagnose the specific cause of kidney damage.

How to Treat Kidney Disease?

Unfortunately, there is no perfect cure for CKD, and the goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Treatment options may include the below ones:

• Medications to control blood pressure.
• Medicines for reducing protein level in the urine.
• Medications to treat underlying conditions (like diabetes and/or glomerulonephritis).
• Exercise and weight loss (if this is necessary as decided by the treated doctor).
• Dietary changes (such as limiting salt and protein intake in the daily diet of the patient).
• Dialysis (this happens to be a procedure in which a machine filters waste products from the blood).
• Kidney transplant (in this process a healthy kidney from a donor is transplanted into the patient).

Meet Health Trawell Team for the Treatment of Kidney Disease in India

CKD is a serious condition that can lead to a range of complications if left untreated. If you are experiencing any symptoms of kidney disease, it is important to get treated. You can opt India as your medical travel destination where the team of Health Trawell will support you fully all through your treatment here.