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What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
 hronic
Kidney Disease (CKD) is a cumulative condition that can disable and
eventually be
fatal. Only recently have healthcare professionals
begun to recognize and acknowledge the pervasiveness
of CKD. Based on estimates that 1.9 million Canadians are currently
and unknowingly suffering from the disease, it is being described
as epidemic in proportion. Seniors are currently the fastest growing
age group of people diagnosed with CKD.
Why is CKD an issue for Canadian seniors?
Kidney function declines with age. By the time we reach our 60s it
is not uncommon to be treated for the conditions that can contribute
to the development of CKD. In Canada, the three leading causes are
diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension) or cardio-vascular
disease, and glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney filters
likely due to chronic system overloading
and resultant immune system deficiencies). Diabetes
and
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Long-term
complications of diabetes
Outlines a series of long-term complications
associated with diabetes, specifically involving the kidneys,
eyes, nerves, heart and blood vessels.
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high
blood pressure account for almost 50% of new cases of CKD. Bacteria
such as E.coli and bacterial infections such as strep throat further
challenge the organs' functions. If you have one or more of these
diseases and/or infections, immediately ask your doctor to monitor
your kidney function. Early detection can improve the effectiveness
of treatment and maintain your quality of life.
If CKD is so common, why has our healthcare
system been slow to respond?
Currently, kidney function is not being tracked as it should. Chronic
Kidney Disease is typically a disease of slow, progressive development
with few, or no overt symptoms initially. If you are being treated
for diabetes, high blood pressure or cardio-vascular disease, it is
important to be monitored for kidney function. Seniors need to request
the necessary tests and examine the lifestyle conditions that can
affect the condition. Lack of exercise, smoking, drinking alcohol
to excess, and/or being overweight can have an indirect impact on
kidney function.
How the kidneys work
A healthy person has two kidneys,
located on either side of the spine under the lower ribs. Healthy
kidneys remove wastes from the blood and return cleaned
blood to the body. They also regulate water and mineral levels
needed for good health.
Chronic Kidney Disease develops as healthy kidney function slows
down. Typically, CKD happens because the kidneys have less ability
to filter out wastes and excess fluids. The capillaries in the kidneys
become blocked and start to leak. This leaves wastes or toxins in
the blood, while proteins, which should remain in the blood, get into
the urine.
Kidneys also produce hormones that control other important
body functions. In this way, they are related to the body's endocrine
system, that complex of glands and organs that produce and deliver
biochemical messages. Since emotional and physical stresses can heighten
levels of hormones in the body, the removal of those excess hormones
creates extra work for the kidneys as well.
Difficult to diagnose
Medical professionals can test for the presence
of CKD by a blood test for detection of wastes or by a doing a urine
test to determine if protein is in the urine. Though you may be under
a doctor's medical care, the similarities between the symptoms of
CKD and other conditions make it difficult to diagnose.
Signs and symptoms to watch for?
See your doctor immediately if you have one
or more of the following signs or symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
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passage of bloody, cloudy or tea-coloured urine
foaming in the urine
frequent passing of urine during the night
passing less urine or difficulty passing urine
puffy eyes, hands and feet
fatigue
nausea and vomiting
poor appetite and weight loss
muscle cramping
bad taste in mouth
decreased sexual desire
anemia
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Prevention is key
If you are currently being treated by a doctor
for high blood pressure, cardio-vascular disease and/or diabetes ask
your doctor to monitor your kidney function. Follow these suggestions
to lower your chances of developing Chronic Kidney Disease.
- Be aware of the disease
- Know how it works
- Work with your doctor to prevent it.
Exercise can help
When you are physically active, you lower your
blood glucose levels, improve your response to insulin, control blood
pressure, improve heart and blood circulation, and maintain or stabilize
weight. Stress levels are also reduced and body systems work better
with increased cardiovascular conditioning. Endurance exercise such
as walking, running, swimming, bicycling has been shown to improve
HDL cholesterol or 'good cholesterol' which helps in the fight against
CKD. Consult a physician before starting an exercise program.
Eat a healthy diet
CKD has been connected with muscle wasting and
this may be related to decreased nutrition and inactivity. Eat healthy
foods, reduce salt intake, refrain from smoking and avoid drinking
alcohol to excess. It is also sometimes recommended that patients
with Chronic Kidney Disease limit their intake of protein, or at least
not increase protein consumption. Remember that your liver and your
kidneys must deal with whatever you consume. Before changing your
diet, ask your doctor for advice.
Work with your doctor if you think you may
be at risk of CKD
The average age for a Canadian to be diagnosed
with CKD is 61 years of age. Talk over your lifestyle with your doctor
to find out if your diet is healthy and if you are exercising enough.
If you are concerned that you may be a candidate for CKD work with
your doctor to be monitored for kidney function. If you do have CKD
learn as much as you can about the disease to become aware about you
can improve your condition. Remember, early diagnosis is essential
to improve the benefits of treatment.
For more information, please visit any of the following web sites:
The Kidney Foundation
of Canada
The Canadian Diabetes
Association
The Heart and
Stroke Foundation
Related Resources
High blood pressure and heart disease
Living with kidney disease (patient manual)
Long-term complications of diabetes
Urinary tract and kidney infections
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Date published: December 1, 2002 |
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Article
prepared by the 
