Chronic Kidney Disease: What You Need To Know

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that filter wastes and extra fluid from your body. They also remove acid produced by your body’s cells and maintain a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals in your blood.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means your kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood properly. The main risk factors for developing kidney disease are diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and a family history of kidney failure.

Signs & Symptoms

• include weight loss and poor appetite.
• swollen ankles, feet, or hands
• shortness of breath.
• blood in urine
• insomnia
• itchy skin

Risk Factors

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart Disease
• Family history of kidney failure

Prevention

The earlier you find out you have kidney disease, the sooner you can take steps to protect your kidneys from further damage.

Make healthy food choices

• Choose foods that are healthy for your heart and your entire body. Eat healthy meals, and cut back on salt and added sugars

Get enough sleep

• Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. If you have trouble sleeping, take steps to improve your sleep habits

Limit alcohol intake 

• Drinking too much alcohol can increase your blood pressure and add extra calories, which can lead to weight gain

Manage diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease

• If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, the best way to protect your kidneys from damage is to keep blood glucose and blood pressure numbers close to your goal. Take all your medicines as prescribed.

Protecting your kidneys may allow you to continue to work, spend time with family and friends, stay physically active, and do other things you enjoy. If you are experiencing any signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease, consult a doctor via Maxicare’s 24/7 Teleconsult Hotline, Videoconsult services powered by the Doctor Anywhere App, or Maxicare Primary Care Clinic (PCC). You may also visit a PCC or request HomeCare for lab tests and diagnostic procedures.

References

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidneys-how-they-work

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