Chronic Kidney Disease Hidden Epidemic

Thousands Suffer from Kidney Failure

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May 4, 2009 Cheryl La Rocque

Chronic Kidney Disease is reaching epidemic proportions.

In fact, an estimated 2 million Canadians currently have or unknowingly suffer from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) with seniors the fastest growing age group diagnosed with this disease. However, kidney disease can strike anyone at any age, indicates The Kidney Foundation of Canada Facing The Facts, Winter 2009.

According to The Kidney Foundation of Canada "over 30,000 Canadians suffer from kidney failure and require dialysis or a transplant to stay alive. Millions more have related conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which are the leading causes of kidney failure."

Kidney Function Declines with Age

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a cumulative condition that can disable and eventually be fatal. Kidney function declines with age. By the time you reach your 60s it is not uncommon to be treated for the conditions that can contribute to the development of CKD.

In Canada, the three leading causes for kidney disease are diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension) or cardiovascular disease, and glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney filters likely due to chronic system overloading and resultant immune system deficiencies).

Diabetes and high blood pressure account for almost half of the new cases of Chronic Kidney Disease. Bacteria such as E.coli and bacterial infections such as strep throat further challenge the organs' functions. Experts suggest if you have one or more of these diseases and/or infections, ask your doctor to monitor your kidney function.

Early Detection of CKD Important

Early detection can improve the effectiveness of treatment and maintain your quality of life. Chronic Kidney Disease is typically a disease of slow, progressive development with few or no overt symptoms initially says experts.

If you are being treated for diabetes, high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, it is important to be monitored for kidney function. Seniors need to request the necessary tests and examine the lifestyle conditions that can affect the condition. Lack of exercise, smoking, drinking alcohol to excess, and/or being overweight can have an indirect impact on kidney function.

What Do Your Kidneys Do?

A healthy person has two kidneys, located on either side of the spine under the lower ribs. Healthy kidneys remove wastes from the blood and return cleaned blood to the body. They also regulate water and mineral levels needed for good health.

Chronic Kidney Disease develops as healthy kidney function slows down. Typically, CKD happens because the kidneys have less ability to filter out wastes and excess fluids. The capillaries in the kidneys become blocked and start to leak. This leaves wastes or toxins in the blood, while proteins, which should remain in the blood, get into the urine. Kidneys also produce hormones that control other important body functions.

Medical professionals can test for the presence of Chronic Kidney Disease by a blood test for detection of wastes or by a doing a urine test to determine if protein is in the urine.

If you are currently being treated for high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and/or diabetes ask your doctor to monitor your kidney function.

Consult your doctor immediately if you have one or more of the following signs or symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease:

Passage of bloody, cloudy or tea-coloured urine
Foaming in the urine
Frequent passing of urine during the night
Passing less urine or difficulty passing urine
Puffy eyes, hands and feet
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Poor appetite and weight loss
Muscle cramping
Decreased sexual desire
Anemia

For more information consult with The Kidney Foundation of Canada, The Canadian Diabetes Association and/or The Heart and Stroke Foundation.

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The copyright of the article Chronic Kidney Disease Hidden Epidemic in General Medicine is owned by Cheryl La Rocque. Permission to republish Chronic Kidney Disease Hidden Epidemic in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.