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What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

A progressive loss of kidney function is a feature of chronic kidney disease, commonly known as chronic kidney failure. Urine is the result of your kidneys filtering waste products and extra fluid from your blood. Your body may accumulate hazardous amounts of fluid, electrolytes, and waste products if you have advanced chronic renal disease.

You may have few symptoms in the early stages of chronic renal disease. You may not become aware that you have kidney disease until it has progressed.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

For Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), timely therapy is essential to managing symptoms, preventing complications, and slowing the disease's course. Common causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) include high blood pressure, diabetes, and renal inflammation, all of which can be controlled with early management. Dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary if chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not well treated and develops into kidney failure. Timely care also lowers the chance of problems. For people with CKD, early detection and therapy prolong kidney function, improve quality of life, and improve long-term results.

What are the Common Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

Loss of kidney function can result in the following, depending on its severity:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Appetite loss
  • Weakness and exhaustion
  • Issues with sleep
  • More or less frequent urination
  • Diminished mental clarity
  • Cramping in the muscles
  • swelling in the ankles and feet
  • Itchy, dry skin
  • Uncontrollable high blood pressure or hypertension
  • Breathing difficulties if there is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs
  • If fluid accumulates around the heart's lining, chest discomfort may result.

Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic renal disease is divided into five stages. The phases are determined by how effectively your kidneys remove waste from your blood.

  • Stage 1: Although you have mild renal impairment, your kidneys function usually. In this case, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 90 mL/min or more.
  • Stage 2: You have additional indications of modest renal impairment, but your kidneys are functioning normally. This ranges from 60 to 89 glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (mL/min).
  • Stage 3a: Your kidneys exhibit mild to severe damage and aren't functioning as well as they could. The most typical stage is this one. At this point, you may experience symptoms. This results in a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 45 to 59 mL/min.
  • Stage 3b: Your kidneys are not functioning as well as they should and exhibit considerable impairment. Many people can remain at this stage and never move on to stage 4 with the correct care. This ranges from 30 to 44 glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (mL/min).
  • Stage 4: Your kidneys are badly damaged and nearly non-functional, resulting in extremely low renal function. This ranges from 15 to 29 glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (mL/min).
  • Stage 5: Your kidneys have either ceased functioning or are near to failing. At this point, you might require kidney dialysis or a kidney transplant. This indicates a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of less than 15 mL/min.

Causes, Risk Factors and Complications of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Causes

The two most frequent causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure, or hypertension. Chronic kidney disease can also result from the following other factors and situations that impair kidney function:

  • Glomerulonephritis
  • Polycystic kidney disease
  • Membranous nephropathy
  • Blockages in the urinary system
  • Vesicoureteral reflux
  • Nephrotic syndrome
  • Pyelonephritis, or recurrent kidney infection.
  • Nephropathy associated with diabetes
  • Kidney issues caused by lupus and other immune system disorders

Risk Factors

The following variables may raise your risk of developing chronic kidney disease:

  • Diabetes
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Cardiovascular illness of the heart
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Kidney illness in the family
  • Abnormal kidney anatomy
  • Older age
  • Regular usage of medications that can harm the kidneys

Complications

Nearly every bodily part can be impacted by chronic renal disease. Potential complications include:

  • High blood pressure, pulmonary edema, or swelling in your arms and legs could result from fluid retention.
  • Hyperkalemia
  • Anemia
  • Heart diseases
  • Weak bones and a higher chance of bone fractures
  • Central nervous system damage can result in seizures, personality problems, and trouble focusing.
  • Weakened immune system, which increases your susceptibility to infection
  • An inflammation of the sac-like membrane that surrounds your heart (pericardium) is called pericarditis.
  • Risks associated with pregnancy problems for both the mother and the growing fetus
  • End-stage renal disease is irreversible kidney deterioration that ultimately necessitates dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.

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Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

  • Recent research for chronic kidney disease includes artificial kidneys, stem cell therapies, and genetic engineering. Like induced pluripotent stem cells, stem therapies may replace damaged kidney tissues.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Prevention Tips

To lower your risk of kidney disease:

  • Observe the directions on over-the-counter drugs
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Avoid smoking
  • With the assistance of your physician, manage your medical issues.

Treatment options for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) can be treated in the following ways:

Hemodialysis: Hemodialysis involves passing your blood through a machine that filters out waste, extra water, and extra salt. After that, the blood is put back into your body.


Cost Start From USD 300 - USD 600Explore Options

Peritoneal dialysis: a catheter injects a dialysis solution straight into your belly during this procedure. After absorbing waste, the solution is extracted using the same catheter. The cleaning procedure is continued by adding a fresh solution.


Cost Start From USD 600 - USD 800Explore Options

Kidney transplant: A healthy kidney from a donor is surgically inserted into your body during a kidney transplant.


Cost Start From USD 11000 - USD 15000Explore Options

  • Blood tests: Tests for kidney function check your blood for waste products, including urea and creatinine.
  • Urine examinations: Urine analysis can assist in determining the origin of chronic kidney illness and discover anomalies that indicate chronic kidney failure.
  • Kidney biopsy: This involves obtaining a kidney tissue sample. A thin needle is passed through your skin and kidney during a kidney biopsy, frequently performed under local anaesthetic. To help identify the cause of your kidney issue, a lab receives the biopsy sample for analysis.
  • Ultrasound: In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), ultrasound is used to evaluate the size and shape of the kidneys and find anomalies that could affect renal function, such as cysts, stones, or blockages.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to provide comprehensive images of the kidneys and blood vessels. This allows for the evaluation of kidney structure, the detection of damage, and the assessment of consequences such as fibrosis or vascular anomalies.
  • CT scans: In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), CT scans evaluate kidney anatomy, detect kidney stones, and spot possible problems such as tumours or obstructions in the renal system.

Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) have rehabilitation choices that concentrate on enhancing general health, controlling symptoms, and delaying the course of the illness. Essential rehabilitation strategies consist of the following:

  • Physical therapy: Since CKD can cause exhaustion and muscle weakness, exercise is essential for enhancing cardiovascular health, strength, and mobility.
  • Blood Pressure and Diabetes Management: Reducing chronic kidney disease course requires blood pressure and diabetes management.
  • Lifestyle Modification: Patients' kidney health and general well-being can be enhanced by teaching them about lifestyle modifications

One or more medications may be administered to you, depending on the cause of your kidney illness. Your nephrologist may recommend the following medications:

  • Use an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) or an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor to reduce blood pressure.
  • If your kidneys are unable to remove phosphate, use a phosphate binder.
  • A diuretic to aid in the removal of excess fluid from your body.
  • Medicines that reduce cholesterol levels.
  • If you're anaemic, erythropoietin will help you make red blood cells.
  • To stop bone loss, use calcitriol and vitamin D.

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Hospitals for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in India

Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre

Chennai, India

The mega-structure of RIMC serves as a hospital as well as an educational institute. Hence, it offers a huge array of medical services and facilities to cater to the needs of its patients.

Fertility Services - RIMC specializes in both male and female fertility and in procedures like IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Uterine Transplants, Preimplantation genetics and Laser Assisted Hatching (LAH).

Anaesthesia and ICU - The ICU rooms in RIMC are equipped to serve the individual needs of every patient. They boast the largest liver transplant ICU in India and a specific ICU dedicated to pediatrics multi-organ transplants.

Radiology and Imaging Sciences - RIMC has the infrastructure to support high-quality scans including 128 Slice CT, Cardiac MRI, and 3 Tesla MRIs.

Blood Bank and Transfusion Medicine - RIMC has an active blood bank system with facilities dedicated to Blood Component Separation and Therapy. They use high-end technology like the Automated 1H500 Analyser and have a separate Therapeutic Apheresis Unit.

Advanced Endoscopy - Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre has one of the most advanced hospital facilities with an individual healthcare unit specifically dedicated to Endoscopy. Advanced procedures like Spyglass Cholangioscopy, Laser therapy, Endoscopic Ultrasound, Capsule Endoscopy, and special ERCP and EUS Suite.

Some of the other healthcare facilities, departments, and services offered by Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Healthcare are listed below:

  • Orthopaedics
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Hepatology
  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine and Diabetology
  • Advanced Paediatrics
  • Ear Nose and Throat 
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Interventional Radiology and Imaging Services
  • Neonatology
  • Neurology
  • Liver Disease and Transplantation
  • Gastroenterology
  • Medical Oncology
  • Nephrology
  • Neonatology
  • Pathology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Radiation Oncology
  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Urology
  • Surgical Oncology
  • Transfusion Medicine

Apart from these facilities, Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre also have a preventive health check lounge, 72 consultation suites, and 360 degrees including lab facilities specifically for outpatients. 

Visit Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre in Chromepet, Chennai today and find the best care for you and your loved ones.

Yatharth hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Yatharth hospital

Delhi / NCR, India

  • The hospital features over 400 beds with advanced infrastructure for multi-speciality treatment.
  • Much of the facility is dedicated to ICU units with the latest life-saving equipment.
  • Advanced medical imaging systems include a 64-slice cardiac CT scanner, a dual-head gamma camera, a 16-slice PET-CT scanner, and a fan-beam bone density scanner (BMD).
  • The radiology setup operates through a fully integrated RIS-HIS system for smooth diagnostics and reporting.
  • The hospital offers high-resolution colour Doppler ultrasound systems for precise vascular and soft tissue imaging.
  • The cardiology wing is equipped with a Philips FD20/10 cath lab, enhanced by modern stent-boost imaging technology.
  • Cutting-edge tools, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and fractional flow reserve (FFR), support advanced heart diagnostics.
  • Facilities include rotablator technology for hardened arteries and an Ensite Velocity cardiac mapping system for complex arrhythmias.
  • A fully functional hybrid endovascular suite supports combined surgical and interventional heart procedures.
  • The ICU and NICU areas feature high-frequency ventilators, central pressure monitoring, and advanced bedside diagnostic tools.
  • Life-support systems include intra-aortic balloon pumps, invasive blood pressure monitoring, and bedside percutaneous tracheostomy.
  • Patient safety and comfort are enhanced with temperature-controlled blankets, bedside echocardiography, and mobile X-ray systems.
  • Operation theatres are fitted with navigation-assisted systems for knee replacement and MEP monitoring for spine surgeries.
  • Fiberoptic bronchoscopes, PCA pumps for pain control, and SSEP monitoring during neurosurgeries enhance surgical precision.
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital

Delhi, India

Indraprastha Apollo Hospital is known for delivering treatment to over 200,000 patients every year; 10,000 of which are generally medical tourists. The efficient team of doctors has the record of 99.6 percent success rate. Indraprastha Apollo Hospital deals in treatment of over 50 specialities.  

Let’s see some of the features of the infrastructure:

  • Spread over 15 acres, the hospital has 710 beds.
  • 6 beds dedicated to bone marrow transplant units with very strict infection control practices.
  • 64-Slice Scan coupled with data acquisition which provides highest temporal resolution
  • One of the hospitals to be using Da Vinci Robotics Surgery System
  • In South Asia, the Spect-CT and Pet-CT got their first installation at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in India
  • Technologies such as PET- MR, BrainLab Navigation System, PET-CT, Portable CT Scanner, Tilting MRI, NovalisTx, Cobalt based HDR Brachytherapy, Hyperbaric Chamber, DSA Lab, Fibroscan, 3 Tesla MRI, Endosonography, 128 Slice CT scanner are all installed at the hospital.
  • The Cancer Institute at Indraprastha Apollo is equipped with a highly advanced Radiation Oncology Center with ClinaciX, NovalisTx, and HDR-Brachytherapy.
  • It is equipped with the largest Sleep Lab in Asia, & has one of the largest Dialysis Units in India.
  • A large number of ICU beds than any other Private Hospitals in India.
  • WIFI is accessible across the whole campus.

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Why Choose India for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

Here are some of the reasons for choosing India:

  • Due to advancements in medical facilities, such as minimally invasive surgical techniques.
  • World-class experts include highly experienced doctors, JCI, and NABH-accredited healthcare institutions.
  • Compared to other countries, treatment in Indian hospitals is cost-effective.
  • Indian hospitals provide International patient services, including a multilingual support system.
  • Improved treatment methods and biological therapies.

Frequently Asked Questions

You may still lead a productive life at home and work, as well as spend quality time with your loved ones, even if you have renal disease. You should actively participate in your treatment team to achieve the most significant results.

Kidney failure can be prevented or postponed by decreasing the disease's course with early detection and suitable therapy. You must maintain a healthy diet, take prescribed medications as directed, attend doctor's appointments, and monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

You might not be aware that your kidneys are having problems. Most people do not exhibit kidney disease symptoms in its early stages. For this reason, it's essential to see your primary care physician for an annual wellness examination to treat long-term health issues like diabetes or hypertension, which can result in kidney disease.

In India, CKD treatment is generally successful, mainly when early diagnostic and prompt care are implemented. Dialysis aids in the efficient management of renal failure, and kidney transplants have an 85% to 95% success rate in advanced stages. The overall effectiveness of treating CKD is influenced by having access to cutting-edge medical facilities and knowledgeable nephrologists.

A kidney-friendly diet could consist of the following:

  • Avoid foods that contain a lot of sodium: This aids in blood pressure regulation as well.
  • Consuming the appropriate quantity of protein: Compared to other food groups, protein produces more significant waste. Therefore, cutting back on protein can assist in maintaining the function of your kidneys, which eliminates waste.
  • Eating food that is good for the heart.
  • Consuming phosphorus-deficient meals: This covers whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. Phosphorus-rich foods include dairy and legumes.
  • Avoid foods like potatoes, oranges, and bananas high in potassium.

Your urine may be frothy or foamy, indicating too much protein, but it shouldn't alter colour. If you consume too much protein, your kidneys aren't removing toxins from your body.

The stage of CKD, the degree of management, and any additional medical issues all affect how long a person with the disease will live. When treated appropriately, early-stage CKD has a favourable prognosis.

Indeed, chronic kidney disease (CKD) can cause problems with other organs, especially the heart, raising the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. It can also result in anaemia and damage to bones.

Because CKD raises the risk of preterm birth, hypertension, and low birth weight, it can make pregnancy more difficult. A healthcare team must closely monitor and manage a woman with chronic kidney disease (CKD) if she plans to become pregnant.