Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease, or chronic nephropathy, involves a gradual loss of kidney function. This condition can lead to the accumulation of fluids, electrolytes, and waste products in the body, which increases the risk of other complications such as heart or vascular failure. It is a significant health problem as its prevalence is approximately 7% in people over 30 years old, and it can reach 20% in those over 60 years old.

Chronic kidney disease is considered the result of a combination of pathologies that affect the kidney in a chronic and irreversible manner. The pathologies that can lead to chronic nephropathy are:

• Type 1 and 2 diabetes.
• Hypertension.
• Glomerulonephritis.
• Interstitial nephritis.
• Polycystic kidney disease.
• Vesicoureteral reflux.
• Recurrent kidney infection (pyelonephritis).

In addition to these pathologies that can lead to kidney damage, there are other environmental factors that can increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease:

• Smoking.
• Obesity.
• Ethnic origin, being more common in people of African American or Asian descent.
• Age.
• Use of certain medications.

The signs and symptoms of the disease manifest over time and are more evident in advanced stages. These include:

• Fatigue and weakness.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Insomnia.
• Muscle cramps.
• Edema in the lower limbs (swelling of feet and ankles).
• Eyelid edema (swelling of eyes).
• Dry and itchy skin.
• Hypertension.
• Polyuria (need to urinate more frequently) and nocturia (need to urinate more especially at night).
• Shortness of breath (if fluid accumulates in the lungs).

Chronic kidney disease can occur at any age, but it is more common after the age of 65. Prevention involves preventing, controlling, and/or treating those disorders that can cause kidney damage in order to avoid its development or progression. Actions include:

• Controlling blood pressure.
• In case of diabetes, managing blood sugar levels.
• Healthy habits such as maintaining a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
• Avoiding tobacco.