Chronic kidney disease also known as chronic renal disease, glomerulonephritis, chronic renal failure or chronic kidney failure is a slow and progressive loss of kidney function over a couple of years. This disease affects many people yet majority of them are not aware since it takes time before it can be detected in the body.
Chronic kidney disease is usually a long term condition that is mainly linked to old age although it can be acquired by any person. It is not easy for an individual to realize that they are suffering from chronic kidney disease until when the kidney slows down or stops to function completely.
As the kidney becomes less functional, dangerous levels of fluids and toxic wastes may end up accumulating in the body. This leads to adverse health conditions like weak bones nerve damage, anemia, high blood pressure and even loss of appetite. Other diseases such as heart attack, diabetes and liver disease may also set in as a result of the chronic kidney disease hitting high levels.
When glomerulonephritis is detected during the early stages, it can be easily treated thus keeping a patient safe from the adverse effects that may occur. When the disease is left to progress beyond normal levels, a patient may be forced to have a dialysis or even a kidney transplant in order to continue living.
Causes of chronic kidney disease
There are two main causes of chronic kidney disease that are well known. These are high blood pressure and diabetes. Diabetes occurs when the blood sugar levels of a person is too high than that required by the body thus damaging important organs. These organs include the heart, nerves, kidneys, eyes, blood vessels and liver.
On the other hand, high blood pressure commonly known as hypertension, occurs when one’s blood pressure against the walls of the vessels holding them is increased beyond the norm. If not properly handled, high blood pressure can cause stroke, heart attack and chronic kidney disease.
Other health conditions that may cause chronic kidney disease include: Urinary tract infections that constantly recur., Obstructions in the kidneys and ureter that are as a result of having conditions like tumors, kidney stones or an enlarged prostate gland in men, and any disease that may be affecting the immune system of the body. A good example is Lupus!