Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

By Christopher Brown, MD

Whenever the heart beats, 20% of the blood reaches the kidneys. These two fist-sized organs are the body’s miraculous filters, contributing to blood cleaning, dehydration prevention, and creation of the active vitamin D. Unfortunately, certain conditions can harm the kidneys and result in chronic kidney disease (CKD), a worldwide health problem.

CKD affects one in seven Americans, with African Americans slightly more than whites, Asians, and Hispanics. The people at higher risk are older adults, African Americans, those with a family history of kidney disease, or suffering from diabetes or hypertension.

The kidneys are in the back below the ribcage and are about the size of a fist. They contribute to the following processes:

· Filter blood

· Regulate blood pressure

· Regulate the electrolyte level

· Manufacture vitamin D

· Play a role in red blood cells’ production, carrying oxygen to all body cells.

The kidneys’ primary function is to eliminate unneeded substances from the body, such as creatinine, a breakdown product of muscle turnover. This substance is useful in determining kidney function and is not necessarily harmful. A high creatinine level in the blood- stream indicates that kidneys don’t do filtration well. The creatinine amount is used in calculating kidney number or “eGFR,” which tells you how much kidney function you have remaining. It is like a gas gauge; the higher the number, the better the kidney function, and the lower the number, the less kidney function you have.

The diagnosis of chronic kidney disease is based on two criteria: structural damage, such as many cysts, or evidence of damage, such as blood or protein. The other criterion is having a kidney number lower than 60 for over three months. The reduced kidney function may lead to dialysis or death. There are five stages of diagnosed chronic kidney disease. Stages one to four mean your kidneys are working fine, but there is some damage. Stage five is when you need dialysis or renal replacement therapy, such as a kidney transplant.

The most common causes of chronic kidney disease are high blood pressure and diabetes, but other conditions, such as lupus, may also put you at risk. The high number of certain medications, i.e., NSAIDs, may be harmful to the kidney and contribute to kidney disease.

Screening by your primary care clinician through blood or urine is the best way to check if you are at risk of CKD. If you have CKD, you will be referred to a kidney specialist - a nephrologist for further assistance.

CKD can be a frightening diagnosis, inducing anxiety and fear in affected individuals and their families. However, with knowledge and action, the disease can be managed, prevented, or avoided in other individuals at risk of chronic kidney disease.

The information, contained in this article is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this article is to promote a broad understanding and knowledge of health topics for individuals.

Christopher Brown, MD, MPH, FACP, FNKF CEO/founder TheDocBrown

www.thedocbrown.com

Twitter @ChrisBrownMDMPH

IG @thedocbrown1