5 causes of chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease is known as a condition that often shows almost no symptoms in the early stages and emerges in advanced stages as kidney functions are lost.

While the symptoms of the disease vary from patient to patient, it can arise due to a number of reasons. Some common causes are as follows:

Diabetes: Diabetes can lead to kidney damage due to high blood sugar levels. The kidneys are responsible for cleaning the blood and removing excess sugar and waste from the body. However, constantly high blood sugar can cause the kidneys to be unable to perform this function.

High blood pressure: High blood pressure (hypertension) can damage kidney tissue and also lead to the narrowing of blood vessels in the kidneys. This can cause kidney function to decrease over time.

Family history: Family history can increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. If you have a history of CKD in your family, your likelihood of developing this disease is higher compared to other patients.

Medications: Certain medications can damage the kidneys. Some drugs, especially those used in the treatment of chronic pain or rheumatism, can have negative effects on the kidneys. This situation can impair kidney functions and cause them to be unable to perform their duties. 

Autoimmune diseases: Some autoimmune (related to the immune system) diseases can cause the body to attack its own kidney tissue.

HOW IS CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE TREATED?

Treatment options vary depending on the patient.

Treatment options for chronic kidney disease can change depending on the stage of the disease, its causes, and the individual's situation. Some of the treatment options are as follows:

Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can slow the progression of CKD. A low-salt, low-protein diet can protect the kidneys in addition to keeping blood pressure under control. 

Medications: Some medications can slow down kidney damage or alleviate symptoms. It is especially important for the person to use medications for blood pressure and diabetes management.

Dialysis: This is a treatment used to clean the blood and remove excess fluid from the body. When kidney functions decrease significantly or are completely lost, dialysis treatment may be required. 

Kidney Transplant: In advanced stages, a kidney transplant emerges as an option. A kidney received from a healthy donor can significantly improve the patient's quality of life.

EARLY DIAGNOSIS IS IMPORTANT

The management and treatment of chronic kidney failure can become more effective with early diagnosis and regular medical follow-up. Regular medical check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and appropriate medication treatment are very important to reduce the risk and prevent the progression of the disease. In patients who develop chronic kidney failure, organ transplantation always stands out as one of the most effective treatment options.

The advantages offered to the patient by a kidney transplant performed after appropriate patient selection can be listed as follows:

High quality of life: During the hemodialysis process, patients can be physically and emotionally challenged due to long-term treatment sessions several times a week. When a kidney transplant is performed, the need for dialysis sessions is eliminated, and it becomes easier for patients to return to their daily lives.

Effective blood cleaning: A kidney transplant means transplanting a healthy kidney into the patient, which allows harmful waste in the body to be cleaned more effectively. Thus, it makes it possible for waste in the body to be cleaned in a more natural way.

Reduced risk of complications: With a kidney transplant, complications such as infections, blood clots, or vascular problems brought about by regular treatment can be eliminated.

Longer life expectancy: A kidney transplant can increase the probability of achieving better long-term results. 

Fewer dietary restrictions: Strict dietary restrictions are generally fewer after a kidney transplant. This allows patients to lead a more flexible lifestyle.

After a kidney transplant, it is necessary to take immunosuppressive drugs. The best treatment option for each patient can vary depending on the person's specific circumstances. Every patient is unique, and the choice of treatment should be determined as a result of a comprehensive evaluation to be made with doctors.