Dialysis
Dialysis is the treatment given to those with stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD); after the kidney has entered end stage kidney failure. It is generally administered after 85-90 percent of kidney function has been lost, disabling the kidneys from performing their usual functions. When end stage kidney failure sets in, dialysis is necessary for performing the roles normally held by the kidney: filtering blood throughout the kidneys, removing waste, regulating the levels of vital chemicals in the body, and controlling blood pressure.
Control of Hypertension
Because hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the leading causes of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), it is important, especially for those with CKD, to know how to control blood pressure levels. People can develop hypertension from a variety of causes, including poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and stress. Fortunately, once blood pressure reaches unhealthy levels, it can be lowered again by understanding what causes hypertension, and by taking the necessary precautions to control it.
Bone Disease of Chronic Kidney Disease
As one of the kidneys’ many responsibilities is to keep bones healthy, by regulating the amounts of phosphorus and calcium in the body, a likely complication of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is the development of bone disease. This condition occurs when the kidneys are unable to maintain the proper phosphorus-calcium ratio in the body, due to a loss of kidney function.
Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease
A common complication of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is the development of a condition called anemia. Anemia occurs when the body can no longer produce enough healthy red blood cells to successfully transport oxygen throughout the body. Although anemia can develop from a variety of causes, it is likely to occur from CKD, as the kidneys are responsible for producing the hormone, erythropoietin (EPO), which tells bone marrow how many red blood cells to produce.
Stages of Chronic Kidney Diseases
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) occurs over a period of time, progressing in stages from normal kidney function to complete kidney failure. Unfortunately, CKD is oftentimes unnoticed until kidney damage has already been done, and no cure has yet been found. However, with treatment, symptoms can be controlled.
Prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease
Inside all kidneys are approximately one million microscopic nephrons, whose responsibility it is to filter blood throughout the kidneys, in order to ensure proper renal function. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) occurs when enough nephrons are damaged, or destroyed, to cause the kidneys to slowly stop performing normally; the kidneys follow a series of five stages, with each stage increasing in severity, until the kidneys become completely incapable of functioning. When this happens, the person afflicted may or may not show any symptoms, as loss of kidney function often takes months, or even years, to become noticeable. Sometimes severe damage is already caused by the time CKD is diagnosed.