Renal disease or chronic kidney disease is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 26 million American adults have chronic kidney disease. The most common causes of renal disease include diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, a family history of kidney disease, and age greater than 60. Early detection and treatment prevents renal disease from getting worse. If renal disease gets worse, it may lead to renal failure, which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant.
High Blood Pressure
More than 50 percent of patients with renal disease have high blood pressure, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Early detection and treatment of high blood pressure can keep renal disease from getting worse. If your blood pressure is too high it will damage blood vessels in the kidneys. Furthermore, high blood pressure causes the kidneys to retain fluid, which increases blood pressure even more.
Your target blood pressure should be below 130/80 if you have kidney disease, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
Anemia
Renal disease causes anemia, which is a decrease in the number of red blood cells. Anemia occurs in the mid to late stages of renal disease but can occur earlier, too. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body to wherever oxygen is needed. A decrease in red blood cell count means the body may not get the oxygen it requires.
The kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO). EPO controls red blood cell production. Damaged kidneys cause a decrease in EPO, and red blood cells decrease accordingly.
Anemia symptoms include lack of energy, weakness, headaches, irritability or difficulty concentrating. Muscle activity and cell building/repair may also be impaired. However, among problems that affect patients with renal disease, anemia is one of most responsive to treatment. The National Kidney Foundation says all patients with renal disease should be tested for anemia at least once a year.
Bone Disease
Decline in renal function leads to disruption in levels of calcium phosphorus and vitamin D. Normal levels of these minerals and hormones keep bones healthy and strong. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes issued guidelines in 2009 on the latest research concerning bone and mineral disease in renal disease. According to the guidelines, abnormal levels of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D can lead to increased bone fractures rates, bone abnormalities and heart disease, and even death.
Abnormalities in calcium, phosphorus, PTH and vitamin D metabolism are common in patients with CKD. Although changes in biochemical abnormalities may begin at midstage renal disease, the rate of change and severity of abnormalities vary among patients. Therapy generally focuses on correcting mineral and hormonal abnormalities to limit their consequences.
Poor Nutritional Health
Clinicians normally prescribe protein-restricted diets for patients with renal disease because too much dietary protein can stress the kidneys. Eating too little protein, however, will cause malnutrition. If you have renal disease, ask a dietitian to figure the correct amount of protein you need. Your body needs the right amount of protein to build muscles, repair tissue and fight infections.
If you have renal disease, you must also monitor levels of other nutrients in your diet--salt, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and certain vitamins and minerals. An imbalance in any of these nutrients causes poor nutritional health for patients with renal disease. A dietitian will help you choose the right foods and drinks to maintain normal nutrient levels.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage or neuropathy is a common complication in renal disease patients. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease. Prolonged high levels of blood glucose, found in patients with diabetes cause damage to nerves in the body. Bladder nerves when damaged disrupt bladder emptying and cause pressure on the kidneys, damaging them further.
Neuropathy can express itself as nerve damage in the arms and legs, seizures or sleep disorders. Symptoms of neuropathy include pain, numbness, pins and needles, cramps, muscle twitches, pain in the feet and legs, reduced sensation in the feet and legs, and muscle weakness.
References
- Centers for Disease Control: National Vital Statistics Report
- National Institutes of Health: Chronic Kidney Disease Rises While Most People with the Condition Remain Unaware
- National Kidney Foundation: What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
- Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative: Clinical Practice Guidelines on Hypertension and Antihypertensive Agents in Chronic Kidney Disease
- Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative: Clinical Practice Guidelines and Clinical Practice Recommendations for Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease
