Chronic kidney disease (CKD), another name for long-term kidney disease, is a degenerative illness marked by a progressive decrease of kidney function over time. The kidneys are essential for eliminating waste materials and extra fluid from the blood, maintaining electrolyte balance, and generating hormones that lower blood pressure and promote the creation of red blood cells. The body may accumulate fluids and poisons as a result of the kidneys' inability to function properly due to disease or injury. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are two major causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD), as they can erode the kidneys' tiny blood capillaries over time. Infections, genetic problems, autoimmune diseases, and specific drugs are other contributing factors. In its early stages, CKD frequently progresses slowly and may not exhibit any symptoms at all. But when the illness worsens, people may have symptoms like exhaustion, swelling in the ankles and legs, blurred vision, loss of appetite, and irregular urine patterns. In order to decrease the progression of CKD and minimize consequences, early detection and treatment are essential.Blood tests to monitor kidney function, urine tests to look for protein and other abnormalities, imaging tests like CT or ultrasound scans, and occasionally kidney biopsies to evaluate tissue damage are all part of the diagnostic process.The goals of treatment are to control symptoms, deal with underlying causes, and avoid consequences.This could entail making lifestyle adjustments including eating a balanced diet, keeping a healthy weight, giving up smoking, and getting regular exercise.Prescriptions may also be written for drugs to manage blood sugar, decrease cholesterol, and control blood pressure. Dialysis or kidney transplantation may be required in advanced stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) when kidney function has substantially decreased in order to maintain life. In order to simulate how the kidneys work, dialysis uses a machine to remove waste and extra fluid from the blood. For many people with end-stage kidney disease, kidney transplantation is the best course of treatment since it can prolong survival and enhance quality of life. However, variables including organ availability, compatibility, and socioeconomic status may restrict access to transplantation.Thus, there is continuous work being done to enhance organ donation and expand access to transplantation. Furthermore, research is still being done to create novel treatments that will stop the advancement of chronic kidney disease (CKD), repair damaged kidney tissue, and enhance the lives of those who are affected.
