Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a term used to describe kidney damage or reduced kidney function (because of any reason) that persists for more than 3 months. Sometimes, CKD leads to kidney failure or end stage renal disease (ESRD), which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to keep you alive.
Kidney disease is hard to detect early because most indications of kidney disease don’t show up until later stages. CKD symptoms may include changes in urination, fatigue, itching or swelling of the hands or feet, need to go to the bathroom more often, especially at night.
Higher risk for kidney disease if youhave diabetes, high blood pressure, family history, have excessive or overdose of painkillers or other medicines that can harm to kidney.
Blood test that checks how well your kidneys are filtering your blood, called GFR. GFR stands for Glomerular Filtration Rate.
Urine test to check for albumin. Albumin is a protein that can pass into the urine when the kidneys are damaged.
Ultrasound or CT scan may be done to get the picture of your kidneys and urinary system
Your treatment plan will depend on your stage of kidney disease and other health problems you may have. It may include control of high blood pressure, medications to lower cholesterol level, changes in lifestyle. If still your kidneys are not responding, you might have end stage renal disorder. Dialysis and transplant are the last options to survive.
Stop smoking, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, avoid alcohol, don’t get abused with painkillers like aspirin / ibuprofen.