Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Kidney Disease and Its Treatment

Let’s start with understanding how kidneys function in our body. Kidneys work as the filters of blood waste from normal body functions. After filtration, kidneys pass waste from the body to urine and return water and necessary chemicals to the body. Filtration is one of many functions. Kidneys produce urine and carry it toward the bladder through the ureters. Additionally, kidneys regulate blood pressure by releasing hormones and stimulating red blood cell production by releasing the hormone erythropoietin. 

Moving on, if your kidneys stop functioning up to par, your doctor may say you are suffering from chronic kidney disease. You may wonder what it is all about. This blog consists of FAQs about chronic kidney disease and its treatment, which shall clear all your doubts. 

What exactly does Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) mean?

CKD means your kidneys are damaged and cannot perform regular functions, such as filtering blood or maintaining blood pressure. Once these functions stop, wastes start to build up in your body, which can cause other health problems. Also, this is a progressive disease. It means the disease can get worse over time. If your kidney fails due to CKD, you may need dialysis or the best kidney transplant in India to maintain your health. 

What are the symptoms of CKD?

Most patients don’t notice any chronic kidney disease symptoms until it reaches advanced levels. However, you may notice the following symptoms:

• You need to urinate frequently, especially at night. 
• You have swollen feet and ankles.
• You have a poor appetite.
• You feel tired more often.
• You are unable to concentrate.
• You are suffering from dry and itchy skin.
• You have trouble sleeping.
• You feel muscle cramping at night.
• You have puffiness around your eyes, especially in the morning.

What are the major causes of the disease?

High blood pressure and diabetes are the major causes of the disease. Other causes that affect the kidney are glomerulonephritis, inherited diseases, and autoimmune diseases.

What types of medicines are prescribed for CKD?

Patients with CKD need to take medicines to lower blood pressure, control blood glucose, and lower blood cholesterol. Many patients need to take two or more medicines to lower blood pressure.  

Suggested Read: Things You Need To Consider About Kidney Transplant

What are the treatment options for CKD?

When your kidneys cannot filter waste and stop functioning even after consuming medicines, you are suffering from kidney failure. In such a case, you have two treatment options. 

• Dialysis

When kidneys cannot filter blood, dialysis artificially removes waste products from your body. There are two types of dialysis. In hemodialysis, a machine removes waste and excess fluids. On the contrary, in peritoneal dialysis, a thin tube is inserted into your abdomen to fill the abdominal cavity with a dialysis solution. This solution absorbs waste and excess fluids, and after some time, it drains from your body along with the waste.  

• Kidney Transplant

A kidney Transplant is the surgery of placing a healthy kidney in a deceased or living donor. After the best kidney transplant in India, you need to take medicines for the rest of your life, so your body doesn’t reject new organs. Also, you don’t need dialysis after a kidney transplant.

Chronic kidney disease is a fatal health condition. You need the right guidance to maintain your health. Med Tour Advisors can help you find the best doctor who shall guide you with medications and treatments. Connect with us to get the right guidance.