What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?
CKD is defined as abnormalities of kidney structure or function, present for > 3 months, with implications for health. CKD is classified based on Cause, GFR category (G1-G5), and Albuminuria. In the United States, 37 million Americans (15% of adults) were estimated to have CKD in 2018.
What are the stages of chronic kidney disease?
CKD is classified based on Cause, GFR category (G1-G5), and Albuminuria. There are 5 stages of kidney disease. Based on your glomerular filtration rate, your doctor will be able to tell you what stage of kidney disease you are at.
What are the causes of chronic kidney disease?
The two main causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide.
The CDC reports that 45% of the US population has hypertension, with half of those individuals inadequately controlled.
What are the symptoms of chronic kidney disease?
You may not feel ill or notice any symptoms early on. You may feel more tired and have less energy, poor appetite, trouble sleeping, swollen feet and ankles, puffiness around your eyes, and need to urinate more often, especially at night.
What tests will diagnose chronic kidney disease?
Albumin to creatine ratio urine test: Albumin is a protein that should not be found in urine and indicates kidney function problems.
Blood test for creatinine: This determines if there is too much creatinine, a waste product, in the blood.
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): The doctor will calculate your Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) using the results from the tests and other factors like age and gender. The result of the GFR is the best way to measure your level of kidney function and determine your stage of kidney disease.
What do we do?
At Associates in Nephrology, Dr. Zaid Haddad and our doctors specialize in the evaluation and management of chronic kidney disease. Several medications slow the onset and progression of kidney disease. Ask your doctor about RAS and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.
