What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Kidney disease means that your kidneys are not working properly. Chronic kidney disease,
usually referred to as CKD, just means that it has been going on for more than 3 months, often
for years.
Our kidneys (we are born with two) are workhorses. They perform a lot of different functions in
our bodies. They remove waste products and extra fluid. They control blood pressure, help with
production of blood and keep our bones strong.
When our kidneys are not working properly, we see effects on all or most of the above.
What causes Chronic Kidney Disease?
Diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension) are the two most common causes of CKD.
This is because these diseases are so prevalent in the population.
Taking certain pain medicines, like Ibuprofen and Naproxen, are another important reason for
chronic kidney disease. Many other medications have ill-effects on the kidneys- it is important
for your prescribing physicians to know if you have kidney disease or are at risk for it.
Sometimes, it is inborn problems or autoimmune disease. Ask your doctor for more information.
How do you know if you have Chronic Kidney Disease?
Most of the time, kidney problems start out silently and progress on, if the reason for them
remains unchecked. So, it is very important to see your doctor regularly and get bloodwork and
urine tests done, as recommended.
Fortunately, kidney function tests are among the basic annual bloodwork that most physicians
look for- so, if you are up to date with your healthcare, you are probably doing well.
As time goes on and the kidney function falls further, you may begin to feel poorly- having low
energy, swelling of your legs. Your blood pressure may get harder to control.
Accumulation of waste products leads to excessive fatigue, sleep disturbances, itching of the
skin and poor appetite.
Anemia, or poor blood count, may lead to tiredness and shortness of breath.
High blood pressure is mostly silent but can lead to headaches and stroke or heart attacks.
Bone disease leads to weak bones and fractures.
Ultimately, when the kidneys function falls drastically, one needs an option to replace the kidney
function. Non-working kidneys are not compatible with life.
One can choose to undergo regular dialysis or undergo a renal transplant. Some patients, with
poor quality of life, may choose not to go with either. Your nephrologist will discuss all available
options with you.
How is Chronic Kidney Disease diagnosed?
The diagnosis of CKD is mostly based on serum creatinine, which is a blood test. Normally,
creatinine that is produced in the body from the normal breakdown of muscle, is flushed out by
healthy kidneys. So, its level in the blood remains low, an average of about 1 mg/dl.
When you have CKD and the worse your kidneys work, the less it is able to flush out creatinine
and therefore the higher its value.
Based on the creatinine, your doctors are able to calculate your kidney function (eGFR). This
gives us a helpful level of risk that your kidney disease presents.
eGFR CKD Stage
More than 90: 1 Normal kidney function
60-90: Stage 2 Mild Kidney Disease
30-60: Stage 3 Moderate Kidney Disease
15-30: Stage 4 Severe Kidney Disease
Less than 15: Stage 5 End Stage Kidney Disease
When Should you see a Kidney Doctor?
It is usually best to see a nephrologist when you have moderate kidney disease, that is, your
kidney function has fallen to less than 60 ml/min.
The kidney doctor will assess your current kidney function, the underlying reasons for the kidney
problems and all effects it is having on your body.
She will then discuss with you and come up with a plan to control the factors that is causing the
kidney problem and work with you to slow down the worsening of your kidney disease.
Do you need to see a Nephrologist? Get in touch to schedule a new patient appointment at Ace
Kidney.
Phone: 407-205-8507
Email: info@acekidney.com