Chronic Kidney Disease
What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is one of Australia’s biggest “silent killers”, because symptoms often do not become noticeable until the disease is more advanced.
Currently, 10% of Australians are unaware they have CKD, also known as Chronic Kidney Disease*.
And today, 1 in 3 Australians are at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease in their lifetime.*
The best way to describe Chronic Kidney Disease is the gradual loss of kidney function over months and years, often with imperceptible or very subtle symptoms.
At an advanced stage, toxins, fluid and electrolytes build up in the body at a dangerous level.
Kidney disease can then progress to end-stage kidney failure, which is fatal without a kidney transplant or dialysis.
Diabetes is the leading cause of CKD as high blood glucose, or blood sugar can damage the delicate blood vessels inside the kidneys.
Today more than one third of people with Diabetes will go on to develop Chronic Kidney Disease.
What are the symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease?
Symptoms and signs of Chronic Kidney Disease include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness and fatigue
- Changes in urination
- Fluid retention, which can cause swelling the feet, ankles and legs
- Chest pain and pressure as fluid builds around the lining of the heart
- Shortness of breath
- An itch that won’t go away
- Muscle cramps and muscle weakness
- Frequent bathroom trips
- Difficulty sleeping
- Hard-to-control blood pressure
It’s important to remember that untreated kidney disease can impact almost every part of the body, from erectile dysfunction (in men), through to anemia, weaker bones, heart disorders, personality changes and mood disorders. It can also decrease immune response which can make you more vulnerable to infections generally.
What are the treatments for Chronic Kidney Disease?
- The treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease generally depends on the cause and most people will need to be in hospital during treatment which can include permanent hemodialysis (dialysis purifies the blood).
- Other treatments include medicines to control levels of vitamins and minerals in your blood, along with medicines to ensure that the right amount of fluid in your blood is maintained.
- When you go home, your doctor may advise you to follow a low-salt kidney friendly diet.
SOURCES