Chronic kidney disease, also called chronic kidney failure, involves a gradual loss of kidney function. Your kidneys filter wastes and excess fluids from your blood, which are then removed in your urine. Advanced chronic kidney disease can cause dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and wastes to build up in your body.
In the early stages of chronic kidney disease, you might have few signs or symptoms. You might not realize that you have kidney disease until the condition is advanced.
Treatment for chronic kidney disease focuses on slowing the progression of kidney damage, usually by controlling the cause. However, even controlling the cause might not keep kidney damage from progressing. Chronic kidney disease can progress to end-stage kidney failure, which is fatal without aritificial filtering (dialysis) or a kidney transplant.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease develop over time if kidney damage progresses slowly. Loss of kidney function can cause a buildup of fluid or body waste or electrolyte problems. Depending on how severe it is, loss of kidney function can cause:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue and weakness
- Sleep problems
- Urinating more or less
- Decreased mental sharpness
- Muscle cramps
- Swelling of feet and ankles
- Dry, itchy skin
- High blood pressure (hypertension) that’s difficult to control
- Shortness of breath, if fluid builds up in the lungs
- Chest pain, if fluids build up around the lining of the heart
Signs and symptoms of kidney disease are often nonspecific. This means they can also be caused by other illnesses. Because your kidneys are able to make up for lost function, you might not develop signs and symptoms until irreversible damage has occurred.
When to consult a physician
If you have any signs or symptoms listed above, call Kidney Consultants of New Mexico to make an appointment. Early detection might help prevent kidney disease from progressing to kidney failure.
Some patients may have a pre-existing medical condition that increases their risk for kidney disease. Our providers can assist in monitoring blood pressure and kidney function with urine and blood tests during your office visits.
Meet with a specialist
To schedule an appointment with our office, please fill out the form below and one of our staff members will contact you to schedule your appointment!
FAQs – Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
1. What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
Chronic Kidney Disease is a gradual loss of kidney function over time. As kidney function decreases, waste, excess fluid, and electrolytes can build up in the body.
2. What are the common symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease?
Symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, sleep problems, changes in urination, muscle cramps, swelling in the feet and ankles, itchy skin, and difficult-to-control high blood pressure.
3. Can Chronic Kidney Disease occur without symptoms?
Yes. Early-stage CKD may cause few or no noticeable symptoms. Many people may not realize they have kidney disease until it becomes more advanced.
4. How is Chronic Kidney Disease diagnosed?
Kidney function can be monitored through blood and urine tests. Regular monitoring is especially important for people with medical conditions that increase their risk of kidney disease.
5. Can Chronic Kidney Disease be treated?
Treatment focuses on slowing the progression of kidney damage by controlling its underlying cause. In advanced cases, kidney failure may require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
