Chronic kidney disease (CKD) & kidney failure
Let's break it down
Every person has 2 kidneys in her body from birth. Kidney failure, also called renal failure, is a condition where 1 or both of your kidneys stop working as they should. When the kidney failure is sudden, that means that it is acute kidney failure. If your kidneys are progressively getting worse over time, this is called chronic (long-term) kidney disease leading to kidney failure.
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that are very important and are located below the backside of the ribcage. The role of the kidneys is to help filter waste and extra fluid from your blood. When they stop working, harmful substances can build up in your body. It is also very important to know that if one kidney stops working or is surgically removed for any reason, a person can live off of one kidney.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Kidney failure is the last stage of chronic kidney disease, meaning that is it a very serious condition, and you will need to be treated immediately. Without treatment, kidney failure will cause death.
Who's most at risk for kidney failure from CKD?
Kidney failure is a common condition, and 1 in 3 people in the United States are at risk of kidney failure. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of chronic kidney failure. However, there are other risk factors for chronic kidney failure as well. People who are more at risk are people who have:
- Diabetes, either type 1 or type 2
- 60+ years of age
- A family history of kidney disease
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- A personal history of taking pain relievers, such as NSAIDs, often. NSAIDs include naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofin (Advil, Nurofen), aspirin (Disprin)
- polycyctic kidney disease
- glomerular diseases
- lupus
Also, certain races and ethnicities are more likely to experience kidney failure. These include:
- Black
- Native American
- Alaska Native
- First Nation
How to test for CKD
If you are experiencing symptoms like frequent urination, swelling in your legs or ankles, or feeling tired all the time, it is important to see a doctor. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history, and may also perform some tests to rule out conditions that fit with your symptoms.
These tests can include blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working, pee (urine) tests to check for any signs of kidney damage, and imaging tests like an ultrasound or a CT sc an to get a closer look at your kidneys. Based on the results, the doctor should be able to tell if you have chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.
Treating CKD and kidney failure
While there is no cure for CKD, there are ways to manage and slow down the progression of the disease.
Treatment options to slow down its may include
- making changes to your diet -reducing salt and protein intake
- taking medications to control blood pressure
- taking medication to control any other symptoms you may have
If your disease has progressed and you are in kidney failure, you will need more aggressive treatement. This will be either dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis helps to filter the blood in your body when your kidneys can't do the job. There are 2 types of dialysis, so it is important to work closely with your doctor to come up with a treatment plan that is right for you.
Similarly, if you are thinking about a kidney transplant, make sure to talk to your medical team about what treatment is right for you. There is no cure for kidney failure, but with the right treatment and management, people can still live a happy, functional life for a long time.
Let's break it down
Every person has 2 kidneys in her body from birth. Kidney failure, also called renal failure, is a condition where 1 or both of your kidneys stop working as they should. When the kidney failure is sudden, that means that it is acute kidney failure. If your kidneys are progressively getting worse over time, this is called chronic (long-term) kidney disease leading to kidney failure.
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that are very important and are located below the backside of the ribcage. The role of the kidneys is to help filter waste and extra fluid from your blood. When they stop working, harmful substances can build up in your body. It is also very important to know that if one kidney stops working or is surgically removed for any reason, a person can live off of one kidney.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Kidney failure is the last stage of chronic kidney disease, meaning that is it a very serious condition, and you will need to be treated immediately. Without treatment, kidney failure will cause death.
Who's most at risk for kidney failure from CKD?
Kidney failure is a common condition, and 1 in 3 people in the United States are at risk of kidney failure. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of chronic kidney failure. However, there are other risk factors for chronic kidney failure as well. People who are more at risk are people who have:
- Diabetes, either type 1 or type 2
- 60+ years of age
- A family history of kidney disease
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- A personal history of taking pain relievers, such as NSAIDs, often. NSAIDs include naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofin (Advil, Nurofen), aspirin (Disprin)
- polycyctic kidney disease
- glomerular diseases
- lupus
Also, certain races and ethnicities are more likely to experience kidney failure. These include:
- Black
- Native American
- Alaska Native
- First Nation
How to test for CKD
If you are experiencing symptoms like frequent urination, swelling in your legs or ankles, or feeling tired all the time, it is important to see a doctor. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history, and may also perform some tests to rule out conditions that fit with your symptoms.
These tests can include blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working, pee (urine) tests to check for any signs of kidney damage, and imaging tests like an ultrasound or a CT sc an to get a closer look at your kidneys. Based on the results, the doctor should be able to tell if you have chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.
Treating CKD and kidney failure
While there is no cure for CKD, there are ways to manage and slow down the progression of the disease.
Treatment options to slow down its may include
- making changes to your diet -reducing salt and protein intake
- taking medications to control blood pressure
- taking medication to control any other symptoms you may have
If your disease has progressed and you are in kidney failure, you will need more aggressive treatement. This will be either dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis helps to filter the blood in your body when your kidneys can't do the job. There are 2 types of dialysis, so it is important to work closely with your doctor to come up with a treatment plan that is right for you.
Similarly, if you are thinking about a kidney transplant, make sure to talk to your medical team about what treatment is right for you. There is no cure for kidney failure, but with the right treatment and management, people can still live a happy, functional life for a long time.
Symptom list:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) & kidney failure
Financial support
Not all of us are able to afford the treatment we need. Search your insurance coverage, or check out what charities may be able to offer you for your condition.
p.s. Just because you have insurance, that doesn't mean that charities or other organizations are not able to support you too.
Emotional support
Whether it's a free counseling session or to find someone with a similar diagnosis, these Germie approved charities might be able to help. Click to explore their offerings!
