What is Chronic Kidney Disease? Symptoms, risk factors, prevention and treatment

Data from the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) shows that every hour, approximately one Filipino develops chronic renal failure. This translates to roughly 120 Filipinos per million population annually. 

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood effectively. This condition worsens over time and can lead to kidney failure if not properly managed.

"Unang Hirit" on Thursday reported CKD is no longer just hitting older people. Even the younger population is also getting diagnosed with CKD.   

A vital body organ, our kidneys are responsible for removing waste products and toxins from the body, nephrologist Dr. Marichel Pile-Coronel told UH. 

“Itong mga toxins na dulot ng pang araw-araw nating kinakain, mga gamot, lahat ‘yan, siya [kidney] ang sumasala at nilalabas ang mga dumi o lason sa paraan ng ihi,” Coronel explained. 

Kidneys also regulate the body’s electrolytes and balances the salt intake in our system. 

But how does one know that they are suffering from CKD?

Symptoms 

One of the best ways to detect CKD at an early stage is through a blood test called the creatinine test, Coronel said. 

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) adds that a creatinine test measures the level of creatinine in your blood or urine. 

Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles from the breakdown of a compound called creatine phosphate. It is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted in urine. The level of creatinine in the blood can indicate how well the kidneys are functioning.

Coronel added those suffering from CKD might experience high blood pressure, swelling of some body parts, and pain in the flank area, an area between the lower ribs and the hips.

Another factor to check is your urine color. Having a red color and excessive bubbles in your urine indicate a serious kidney problem.

“[Ibig sabihin] naglalabas ng protina sa ating ihi. Dapat walang protina, dapat walang dugo sa ihi, at wala rin impeksyon,” she explained.

Aside from this, the NIDKK adds feelings of fatigue and weakness, difficulty sleeping due to muscle cramps or restless legs at night, poor appetite, shortness of breath, persistent itching, nausea, and vomiting that one can experience from suffering CKD. 

Risk factors 

According to the nephrologist, urinary tract problems can cause kidney problems in the long run.

“Nagkakaroon kasi tayo ng mataas na tsansa ng Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), dahil matagal na nananatili ‘yong ihi sa pantog, kaya ‘yong bacteria mas mabilis siyang mag-multiply. Kaya importante na kapag uminom ng tubig, kapag naiihi, ilabas kaagad,” Coronel said. 

She added pre-existing diseases such as diabetes and hypertension also play an important factor in causing renal failure.

“Ang komplikasyon ng diabetes ay number one would be diabetic nephropathy or yung pagkakaroon ng Chronic Kidney Disease. Ganoon din sa hypertension,” Coronel explained.

Lifestyle factors such as obesity, excessive sugar and fat intake, and smoking also contribute to the problem. Genetics is also a factor you should consider. 

Prevention 

Preventing CKD involves managing risk factors that contribute to their development. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating a healthy diet reduce the risk of renal problems.

Control your blood sugar levels and blood pressure to reduce your risk. Quit smoking, as smoking can damage blood vessels, including those in the kidneys. 

Eat healthy food, which means avoiding processed and salty food. Exercising regularly and limiting your alcohol intake also help manage the risk. 

Treatment

There is no cure for CKD, but there are treatments available that can help you manage your kidney problems in the long run. Dialysis and kidney transplants. 

Dialysis is a treatment that filters and purifies the blood using a machine. This helps keep your body in balance when the kidneys can't do their job, NIDKK says. 

Meanwhile, a kidney transplant, according to Coronel is the best way to treat CKD. 

— Jade Veronique Yap/LA, GMA Integrated News