CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Chronic kidney disease, or also known as chronic renal disease, is characterized by gradual loss of function of kidneys.

SYMPTOMS

• Have less energy
• Trouble concentrating
• Poor appetite
• Trouble sleeping
• Swollen feet and ankles
• Puffiness around the eyes
• Dry, itchy skin
• Having to urinate more often, especially at night

Facts about CKD

• 26 million Americans have CKD
• Protein in the urine is a sign of CKD
• Early detection can prevent kidney failure
• Hypertension causes CKD and CKD causes hypertension
• People at increased risk are those with diabetes, hypertension, and family history of kidney disease

What do I do if I have it?

• Go see a kidney specialist
• He/she will calculate your glomerular filtration rate, which will tell how much kidney function you have
• Your doctor will also get an ultrasound or a CT scan to get a picture of your kidneys and urinary tract. This could rule out other problems.

"About Chronic Kidney Disease." - The National Kidney Foundation. Web. 15 May 2015. .