Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a slow and progressive loss of kidney function over a period of several years. Eventually, a person will develop permanent kidney failure
CKD is a common, life-threatening illness that often goes undetected until advanced stage.
Risk Factors
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- A family history of kidney disease, diabetes or high blood pressure
- Obesity
- Kidney stone
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Some medications – overuse of, for example, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen
Risk Factors
- Anemia/ Low red blood cell
- Blood in urine/ dark urine
- Decreased mental alertness
- Decreased urine output
- Edema – swollen feet, hands, and ankles (face if edema is severe)
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Insomnia
- Itchy skin, can become persistent
- Loss of appetite
- Male inability to get or maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction)
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Muscle cramps/ twitches
- Nausea
- Pain on the side or mid to lower back
- Panting (shortness of breath)
- Protein in urine (bubble in urine)
- Sudden change in bodyweight
- Unexplained headaches
Annual Health Screening is vital to check whether your kidneys are healthy as symptoms can be late or subtle.