Kidney Disease: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Preventative Measures

The human body is an intricate biological machine with dozens of organs responsible for day-to-day functions and overall health. Kidneys are vital organs located in the lower back on either side of the spine that filter blood, removing waste via urine and balancing the body's fluids and electrolytes. They also produce glucose, a protein that helps to increase blood pressure (renin), and erythropoietin and calcitriol, which help with red blood cell production and calcium absorption, respectively.

Kidneys are about the size of a fist and, while most people are born with two, you can live a healthy and fulfilling life with just one. Around 1 in 2,000 people are born with a single functional kidney, while some have had to have one removed due to disease or injury. Kidney health is especially important to people in these situations.

There are many conditions that can affect the kidneys. Some are painful, while others can be deadly. Here's a look at the most serious kidney conditions and how to prioritize the health of your kidneys.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive illness, usually caused by diabetes and high blood pressure, which restricts the organs' ability to filter out bodily waste. As a result, toxins compound in the blood and eventually contribute to a variety of symptoms, including a more frequent urge to pee, loss of appetite, low energy levels, shortness of breath, and trouble sleeping. Symptoms may not be present in the early stages of CKD, while later-stage symptoms might include darkening of the skin, nausea or vomiting, and muscle cramps.

There are five stages of CKD, each of which is based on the efficiency of the kidneys in filtering the waste product creatinine. This is described as the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The GFR, measured in mL/min, for stage 1 CKD is 90 or higher. Kidney function at this point has yet to degrade, but there are generally signs of mild kidney damage. The GFR for stage 5, meanwhile, is less than 15. This may indicate kidney failure and the need for a transplant. Around 37 million Americans, or about 15 percent of adults, have CKD.

Kidney Failure

Kidney failure can occur as a result of long-term CKD which, if left untreated can be fatal. There's also acute kidney failure, which is far less serious, often temporary, and can develop within hours or days. Urinary system blockages, certain medications, severe dehydration, and heart disease can contribute to acute kidney failure.

Chronic kidney failure, also known as end-stage kidney disease, can result in death within a few days or weeks without proper life-sustaining treatment, like a transplant or dialysis. It can be diagnosed via blood, urine, and imaging tests. Approximately 750,000 Americans have kidney failure.

Risk Factors

Kidney failure and some of its risk factors (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.) can be hereditary. Black people and those over 60 also have an elevated risk for kidney failure. Other risk factors include heart disease, an abnormal kidney structure, and long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and aspirin.

Complications Caused by Chronic Kidney Disease

When your kidneys aren't functioning properly, your body is more susceptible to other diseases and health complications. People with CKD may develop anemia, a red blood cell disorder that can cause minor issues (fatigue, dizziness, or frequent infections) or be life-threatening. It's most common in CKD stages 3 to 5.

Gout, a type of arthritis characterized by pain and swelling in the joints, and pruritus (itchy skin) are among the other common complications from CKD. Pruritus, which mostly occurs in people on dialysis, can be very uncomfortable, disrupting sleep and quality of life. People with CKD also have a higher risk of nerve damage and blood vessel disease, as well as higher levels of potassium and phosphorus, which can cause irritability, weak bones, and other issues.

Dialysis and Kidney Transplant

Kidney transplantation and dialysis can extend the lives of those with end-stage kidney disease. Transplants can come from living or deceased donors. The surgeon connects the transplanted kidney to nearby blood vessels, veins and arteries, and the bladder. Transplanted kidneys work on average for about 10 years, with living donations generally lasting longer than those from deceased people.

Meanwhile, dialysis is a procedure in which specialized machines perform the role of the kidneys, filtering and removing waste from the blood. There are two different types: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. For hemodialysis, blood is circulated and filtered through a machine and returned to the body. People with CKD usually require three four-hour hemodialysis treatments per week.

Peritoneal dialysis involves placing a dialysis solution into the abdomen via a catheter. The solution absorbs toxins and waste products, which are then withdrawn from the body from the same catheter.

Tips to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

Regular testing is integral to monitoring the health of your kidneys. There are also several things you can do to reduce your risk of kidney failure, including drinking water, limiting salt and NSAIDs, avoiding tobacco, and exercising on a regular basis.