|
Prevention Is Key
- Kidney disease can begin without warning.
- You may not know that you have kidney disease until your kidneys are failing.
- Determine if you have CKD in its early stages to prevent progression of the disease and kidney failure, which will require renal dialysis.
Symptoms of CKD 1 & 2
- High blood pressure
- Higher than normal levels of creatinine or urea in the blood
- Blood or protein in the urine
- Evidence of kidney damage in an MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, or contrast X-ray
- A family history of polycystic kidney disease
- Anemic
- Continuous feeling of fatigue
- Lack of energy
- Swollen feet
- Puffiness around the eyes
- Leg cramps especially at night
- Dry itchy skin
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- At times unable to think clearly.
Determine Kidney Function
- Normal or healthy kidneys have a GFR Level of 90 mL/min or more. See Glossary of Terms.
- Outside of that range patients may fall into one of the five stages of CKD. See 5 Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease.
After you doctor has conducted the tests for CKD, then ask them to check your GFR.
- When a patient has a GFR of 29 mL/min of less, they qualify for either a transplant or dialysis.
Sources
- Davita – Kidney Disease: Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease. Available at: http://www.davita.com/kidney-disease/the-basics/a/92. Accessed on September 4, 2008.
- National Kidney Foundation: Are you at Increased Risk for CKD. Available at: http://www.kidney.org/kidneydisease/ckd/risk.cfm. Accessed on September 4, 2008.
|
|
