What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a medical condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time. The kidneys’ role is to filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood, which are then excreted in urine. As the disease progresses, these essential functions are impaired, leading to the accumulation of harmful substances in the body.
Prevalence and Incidence
The
prevalence of CKD varies globally, influenced by factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and healthcare access. In the United States, approximately 15% of adults are estimated to have CKD. Incidence rates are also rising, driven by increasing rates of
diabetes,
hypertension, and aging populations.
Risk Factors
Several risk factors contribute to the development of CKD. Major risk factors include: Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys over time.
Hypertension: High blood pressure can cause harm to the kidney’s blood vessels.
Age: The risk increases with age, particularly after 60 years.
Family History: A family history of kidney disease increases risk.
Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups, such as African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans, are at higher risk.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
CKD is often asymptomatic in its early stages, which makes early diagnosis challenging. Symptoms tend to appear as kidney function declines significantly and may include fatigue, swelling in the legs and ankles, shortness of breath, and changes in urine output. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to measure
creatinine levels and estimate the
glomerular filtration rate (GFR), as well as urine tests to check for proteinuria or hematuria.
Stages of CKD
CKD is classified into five stages based on GFR levels: Stage 1: Kidney damage with normal or high GFR (≥90 mL/min)
Stage 2: Kidney damage with mildly reduced GFR (60-89 mL/min)
Stage 3: Moderately reduced GFR (30-59 mL/min)
Stage 4: Severely reduced GFR (15-29 mL/min)
Stage 5: Kidney failure (GFR
