Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease

Your kidneys play a big role in keeping you healthy. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common kidney problem, especially for older adults. Many people don't know much about it or how it affects the body. If CKD isn't caught early, it can cause serious health issues. Learning about CKD, its warning signs, and how to manage it can help you stay healthy and avoid bigger problems.

What is chronic kidney disease

Your kidneys are small organs about the size of your fist. They sit in your lower back and work like filters for your body. Chronic kidney disease happens when your kidneys slowly stop working well. This means they can't remove waste and toxins from your blood like they should, which can lead to health problems.

CKD affects 1 in 7 adults in the United States according to the National Kidney Foundation. While anyone can get it, it's more common in older adults and people with health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Warning signs of CKD

One tricky thing about CKD is that it often doesn't cause symptoms early on. Many people don't know they have it until their kidneys are badly damaged. But there are warning signs to watch for, especially as the disease gets worse:

• Feeling tired more than usual
• Swelling in the feet, ankles, or face (from extra fluid in your body)
• Changes in urination, like making less urine or seeing foam in the toilet
• Loss of appetite or feeling sick to your stomach
• Itchy skin from toxins building up in your blood
• Trouble breathing if fluid builds up in your lungs

Talk to your doctor or advanced practice provider* (APP) if you notice any of these symptoms. This is especially important if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.

Are you at risk

Certain factors can make you more likely to develop CKD. These include:

• Diabetes (the main cause of CKD)
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Family history of kidney disease
• Smoking
• Being over 60 years old

Managing these conditions and knowing your risk can help you catch kidney problems early.

How to manage CKD

Chronic kidney disease usually can't be cured, and kidney damage typically can't be reversed. But if caught early, it can be managed. Here's how you and your doctor or APP can work together to treat it.

1. Medications

Your doctor or APP may prescribe medicines to control your blood pressure, lower your cholesterol, or manage your blood sugar if you have diabetes. These medications help take stress off your kidneys and slow down the disease.

2. Regular check-ups

If you have CKD, your doctor or APP will likely want you to have blood and urine tests done every few months. These tests check how well your kidneys are working and look for problems.

3. Lifestyle changes

Making small but impactful changes to your daily habits can help protect your kidneys and improve your health. Here are a few recommendations:

• Follow a kidney-friendly diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Cut back on salt, sugar, and processed foods. Eating too much protein may also strain your kidneys, so stick to smaller portions. Consider trying the DASH diet, which is designed to help lower your blood pressure. The Mediterranean diet can also help guide you in making the right food choices.
• Stay active with regular, low-impact exercises like walking or swimming. Exercise helps lower blood pressure and improves blood flow.
• Quit smoking, if you smoke. Smoking damages blood vessels and makes kidney problems worse
• Drink enough water to stay hydrated but not overdo it. Your doctor or APP will tell you how much water is right for you.

4. Advanced treatments

For severe CKD (also called end-stage renal disease), you might need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis uses a machine to filter your blood when your kidneys can't. While this is a big step, it can help improve your quality of life in the later stages of CKD.

It is important to note that proper care and management of diabetes, hypertension, and progressing kidney disease can avoid your need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. Talk with your doctor or APP if you have any concerns or questions about how to manage your medical condition(s).

How to protect your kidneys

Even if you don't have CKD now, taking care of your kidneys is important. Here are simple steps to keep them healthy:

• Manage your blood pressure and diabetes with medicines and regular check-ups.
• Get tested every year if you’re at risk for CKD. Blood and urine tests can find early kidney problems.
• Limit pain relievers, especially NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which can hurt your kidneys over time.
• Eat a balanced diet and watch your portions to stay at a healthy weight.
• Pay attention to warning signs like changes in urination, swelling, or feeling very tired, and see your doctor or APP if something seems wrong

Chronic kidney disease might sound scary, but it can be managed when caught early. The key is getting regular check-ups, knowing the warning signs, and making healthy choices. Even small changes, like eating less salt or taking a daily walk, can make a big difference for your kidneys and overall health.

If you're worried about your kidney health or think you might be at risk, reach out to your doctor or APP. Your health is a team effort, and they're here to help. Don't hesitate to bring up any questions or concerns at your next visit. Remember, it's never too late to start taking better care of your kidneys.

*An advanced practice provider includes a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.