Chronic Kidney Disease and Your Body

Kidney

Chronic kidney disease is a condition resulting to a permanent damage to the kidney organs. Located on either side of the spine at the lower back area, the kidneys are bean-shaped organ consisting of nephrons that work as its filtering units. The major function of the kidneys is the removal of the body toxins and waste products from the blood and water circulating in the body. It is capable of filtering about 200 liters of blood per day and it can also process the removal of toxic waste products from about 2 liters of urine. These waste products come from the metabolized foods and other substances like excess by-products of drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Vital minerals needed by the body, such as calcium, potassium, and sodium in the blood, are also regulated by the kidneys.

Major functions of the kidney

The kidney filters the waste products and toxic substances from the breakdown of tissues, ingested foods and other harmful substances in the body when they are present at a high level. It can also produce helpful hormones that support the vital functions of the body like calcitrol, which is a form of vitamin D that helps absorbs calcium better for stronger bones, erythropoietin that helps the bone marrow produce sufficient red blood cells and renin that helps the body regulate the blood pressure.

What are the significant effects of chronic kidney disease?

Chronic disease of the kidney can result in the gradual loss of the kidney functions. It may eventually result in permanent kidney damage that happens over the years of injury and damage to the kidneys. The consequences of chronic kidney disease include the body's inability to remove waste, toxic substances and harmful by-products that are regularly filtered by the normal functioning kidneys. Renal insufficiency occurs when there is a mild kidney disease. Overtime, the chronic kidney disease will cause medical conditions like anemia, acidosis, high blood pressure, bone disease and cholesterol problems.

Treatment for chronic kidney disease

Unfortunately, there is no treatment or cure for chronic kidney disease. Most of the time, the aim of treatment is to halt or slow down the progression of the kidney damage and to prevent complications. It helps to know that preventive measures must be taken against stroke and heart diseases because chronic kidney disease is a known risk factor for these diseases. If one gets an established renal failure, a condition where the kidney is permanently damaged, the treatment option is getting a dialysis that is a form of an artificial kidney treatment.

Preventive measures against chronic kidney disease

An early diagnosis of a kidney disease is important to save the remaining functional units of the kidney. Because a kidney disease is a progressive condition, it is important to report to your physician your symptoms immediately. Early treatment of the condition can help prevent the more serious complications of the disease and helps avoid the occurrence of other medical conditions.

Common medical conditions that are associated with kidney disease like diabetes mellitus, heart disease and high blood pressure and cholesterol level should get prompt treatment as well, because they can also induce kidney damage when treatment is not obtained at the early stage of the disease. Lifestyle factors can also increase the risk to kidney disease. This includes avoiding smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, getting enough exercise and eating a healthy diet.

Your physician is the best person to assess your condition and to provide you an accurate diagnosis of your condition. A kidney disease is a serious condition that can be life threatening when prompt treatment is not obtained.

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