Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition in which your kidneys are unable to filter out waste and excess fluids from your blood as well as they normally would. The result is that the waste builds up in your body and can cause serious complications. As the name suggests, chronic kidney disease is one that lasts for a long time. If left untreated, this condition can have devastating consequences on your health. There are various known causes of chronic kidney disease, but fortunately you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing it. Read on to learn more about 5 common causes of chronic kidney disease and what you can do to protect yourself from
developing it.
Chronic Kidney Disease Due to Diabetes
People with diabetes may be at higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease due to the high blood sugar levels that are commonly seen with this condition. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause damage to the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys. This can affect how well your kidneys are able to function and lead to chronic kidney disease. Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure, so it’s important to keep your blood sugar levels in check to reduce your risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Managing your diabetes can also help you avoid other complications associated with the disease, such as heart disease and nerve damage. If you’re at risk of developing chronic kidney disease, you may benefit from a special diet called a diabetic diet. A diabetic diet may help reduce your risk of developing chronic kidney disease by improving your blood sugar levels and lowering your risk of other complications associated with diabetes. A diabetic diet is high in fibre, low in fat and rich in vitamins and minerals. It should be tailored to meet your
individual needs, including the type and amount of exercise you do.
Chronic Kidney Disease Due to High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is another condition that can increase your risk of developing chronic kidney disease. It’s estimated that about one third of people with chronic kidney disease have high blood pressure as the underlying cause. Those who have both conditions are at an even higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. High blood pressure can cause damage to the tiny filters in your kidneys that remove excess fluid from your blood. This damage can gradually worsen over time, causing chronic kidney disease. If you have high blood pressure, you should try to get it under control. This can help slow down the progression of the disease and reduce your risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Along with diet and lifestyle changes, medication is often prescribed to help lower blood pressure levels. It’s important to take your medication as directed and to visit your doctor regularly to monitor your blood pressure levels.
Chronic Kidney Disease Due to Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis is a condition that can lead to chronic kidney disease. This condition occurs when tiny filters in your kidneys called glomeruli become inflamed and begin to leak proteins into your bloodstream. Glomerulonephritis may be an underlying cause of chronic kidney disease in up to 10% of all cases. If you have this condition, your doctor may recommend that you take steps to reduce your risk of developing chronic kidney disease. You may benefit from a low-protein diet or a diet that’s high in antioxidants. You may also be prescribed certain medications to help slow down the progression of the disease. Glomerulonephritis is often treated with either steroids or medications called immunosuppressants. It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for managing this disease so that you can reduce the risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
Chronic Kidney Disease Due to Nephrotic Syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome is a condition that can lead to chronic kidney disease. In nephrotic syndrome, tiny proteins called antibodies build up in your blood vessels, causing them to swell and leak. This can affect the tiny filters in your kidneys and lead to chronic kidney disease. Nephrotic syndrome affects less than 10% of people with chronic kidney disease. If you have this condition, you may benefit from a low-protein diet and/or certain medications to help reduce the damage to your kidneys. You should also make sure to visit your doctor regularly to monitor the progression of your kidney disease.
Other Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease
There are many other less common causes of chronic kidney disease. These include blood clots, certain cancers, genetic conditions and toxic substances that accumulate in the kidneys. If you have an underlying condition that puts you at risk of developing chronic kidney disease, it’s important to make healthy lifestyle choices. This includes managing your diabetes, keeping your blood pressure in check and avoiding exposure to toxic substances. It may also be useful to have regular blood tests to check for signs of damage to your kidneys.
Poor diet and lifestyle
Poor diet and lifestyle choices can increase your risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Eating too much sugar and salt, eating too few fruits and vegetables, and being overweight or obese can all contribute to the progression of chronic kidney disease. Likewise, alcohol abuse, excessive caffeine intake, and a lack of exercise can also increase your risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Regular exercise, a healthy diet and not smoking can help to reduce your risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
Medication overuse
Certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors or COX-2 inhibitors, may increase your risk of developing chronic kidney disease. It’s estimated that about 33% of people with chronic kidney disease have this as the underlying cause. If you have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, your doctor will probably recommend that you discontinue certain medications.
Conclusion
Chronic kidney disease is a serious condition that can progress if left untreated. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the disease. It’s important to eat a healthy diet that’s rich in fruits and vegetables, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise regularly. It’s also important to avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol. Regular blood tests can also help to detect signs of chronic kidney disease early on, allowing you to seek treatment before it becomes advanced.
No comments:
Post a Comment