What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Kidneys function to remove extra water and wastes, control blood pressure, keep body chemicals in balance, keep bones strong, and help make red blood cells. Chronic Kidney disease occurs when kidney are no longer able to clean toxins and waste products from the blood and perform their normal function. This can occur over a long or short period of time.

What are the symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease?

Symptoms can include:


• Generalized fatigue and weakness
  
• Swelling of feet hands or face
  
• Changes in urination quantity and frequency
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Back or flank pain
  
• Weight Loss
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
• Itchiness
  
  

What are the main causes of kidney disease?

45% of all kidney failure is due to diabetes. High blood pressure is responsible for about 25%-30%. The remaining causes of kidney failure includes glomerulonephrities (a general term for the many types of kidney inflammation), genetic diseases, autoimmune diseases, and kidney stones.

What is End Stage Renal Disease?

End stage renal disease (ESRD) is when the kidneys are functioning at 10% - 15 % of their normal capacity. It is at this point when your kidneys cannot effectively remove waste and excess fluid from your body. As a result, patients then develop the above mentioned symptoms and worsening high blood pressure. When chronic kidney disease develops into end stage renal disease, dialysis or a kidney transplant is necessary to stay alive