Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition in which kidney function progressively declines over time. The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood, which is then excreted through urine. If left untreated, CKD can lead to the buildup of harmful fluids, electrolytes, and waste products in the body.
In its early stages, CKD often presents no symptoms, making it difficult for individuals to recognize the disease until it reaches an advanced stage. Treatment for CKD focuses on slowing the progression of kidney damage by managing the underlying causes. However, even with proper treatment, kidney damage may continue to progress and eventually require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
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Causes and Risk Factors of Chronic Kidney Disease
CKD occurs when a disease or condition impairs kidney function and causes damage that worsens over time—often over several months or years.
Common Causes of CKD:
- Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units)
- Interstitial nephritis (inflammation of kidney tubules and surrounding structures)
- Polycystic kidney disease or other inherited kidney disorders
- Long-term urinary tract obstruction from conditions such as enlarged prostate, kidney stones, or certain cancers
- Vesicoureteral reflux (a condition where urine flows backward into the kidneys)
- Recurrent kidney infections (pyelonephritis)
Risk Factors:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Being African American, Native American, or Asian American
- Family history of kidney disease
- Abnormal kidney structure
- Older age
- Frequent use of medications that may harm the kidneys
Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
CKD symptoms typically develop gradually as kidney damage worsens. Decreased kidney function can lead to fluid retention, waste accumulation, and electrolyte imbalances.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue and general weakness
- Sleep disturbances
- Changes in urination frequency (more or less than usual)
- Decreased concentration and mental clarity
- Muscle cramps
- Swelling in the feet and ankles
- Dry and itchy skin
- High blood pressure that’s hard to control
- Shortness of breath (due to fluid buildup in the lungs)
- Chest pain (if fluid accumulates around the heart lining)
These symptoms are often nonspecific, meaning they may also result from other illnesses. Because the kidneys can compensate for declining function, signs and symptoms may not appear until irreversible damage has occurred.
When to See a Doctor
See your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of kidney disease. Early detection is key to preventing progression to end-stage kidney failure.
If you have a condition that increases your risk of kidney disease, your doctor may monitor your blood pressure and kidney function regularly with blood and urine tests. Ask your healthcare provider if you need routine screenings.
Preventing Chronic Kidney Disease
To reduce your risk of developing kidney disease:
- Follow directions when using over-the-counter medications: Use pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen only as directed. Prolonged overuse can damage your kidneys.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Stay active most days of the week. If you need to lose weight, consult your doctor for a safe and effective plan.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking harms the kidneys and worsens existing kidney damage. Ask your doctor for resources to help you quit, including support groups, counseling, or medications.
- Manage health conditions with your doctor’s help: If you have a disease that increases kidney disease risk, work with your doctor to control it. Ask about screening tests for early signs of kidney damage.
Diagnosing Chronic Kidney Disease
Diagnosis begins with a review of your personal and family health history. Your doctor may ask about high blood pressure, medication use, changes in urination, or family history of kidney disease.
A physical exam will check for signs of cardiovascular or neurological complications.
Diagnostic Tests May Include:
- Blood tests: To check kidney function by measuring waste substances such as creatinine and urea.
- Urine tests: To detect abnormalities suggesting CKD and help identify its cause.
- Imaging tests: Such as ultrasound to examine kidney size and structure.
- Kidney biopsy: A sample of kidney tissue is collected (usually via needle) for lab analysis to determine the cause and severity of kidney damage.
Treating Chronic Kidney Disease
Some types of kidney disease are treatable depending on the cause, but CKD is often irreversible.
Treatment usually focuses on controlling symptoms, preventing complications, and slowing disease progression. If your kidneys become severely damaged, you may require treatment for end-stage kidney failure.
End-Stage Kidney Failure Treatment:
1. Dialysis
Dialysis is a procedure that removes waste, excess fluid, and toxins from your blood when the kidneys can no longer do so effectively.
- Hemodialysis: Uses a machine to filter your blood.
- Peritoneal dialysis: Involves filling your abdomen with a special fluid that absorbs waste and is later drained from the body.
2. Kidney Transplant
A kidney transplant involves surgically placing a healthy kidney from a donor into your body. Donors can be living or deceased.
After a transplant, patients must take lifelong medications to prevent organ rejection. You do not need to undergo dialysis before being eligible for a transplant.
Kidney Transplant Specialists at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
If your chronic kidney disease requires a transplant, the expert transplant team at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is ready to provide comprehensive care:
1. dr. Hendy Mirza, Sp.U(K)
A urologist trained at Universitas Sumatera Utara and the University of Indonesia, with fellowship training in pediatric urologic reconstruction and laparoscopy. Certified as a Pediatric Urology Consultant.
Specialties: Urinary tract surgery, prostate biopsy, PCNL, TURP
Schedule:
- Monday: 4:00 – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 4:00 – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 4:00 – 7:00 PM
2. dr. Maruto Harjanggi, BSc(Hons), Sp.U, FICS
A graduate of the University of Indonesia and Newcastle University (UK), with expertise in kidney stone surgery, prostate enlargement treatment, and vasectomy.
Schedule:
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Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
3. dr. Ima Nastiti Setyaningsih, Sp.U
A urologist from the University of Indonesia with expertise in kidney surgery, cystectomy, urinary tract surgery, and TURP procedures.
Schedule:
- Tuesday: 2:00 – 4:00 PM
- Thursday: 2:00 – 4:00 PM
4. Prof. dr. Chaidir Arif Mochtar, Sp.U(K), PhD
One of Indonesia’s most experienced urologists, specializing in kidney surgery, prostate surgery, PCNL, varicocele surgery, and kidney transplantation.
5. Prof. dr. Ponco Birowo, Sp.U(K), PhD
An expert in advanced urology and kidney transplant procedures, with extensive experience in handling complex transplant cases.
If you are facing chronic kidney failure and are referred for a transplant, Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is ready to provide comprehensive, world-class care.
For an easier visit, use our WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter App available on Google Play and App Store to check queue numbers and access full information.
