Chronic kidney failure is a condition when kidney function decreases gradually due to damage to kidney tissue. Medically, chronic kidney failure is defined as a decrease in the rate of renal filtration for 3 months or more.
The main function of the kidneys is to filter waste (waste substances from the body's metabolism) and excess fluid from the blood to be excreted through urine. Each day, the two kidneys filter about 120–150 liters of blood and produce about 1–2 liters of urine.
Inside the kidney, there is a filtering unit called the nephron which consists of the glomerulus and tubules. The glomerulus filters fluids and wastes for excretion, but prevents blood cells and blood proteins from leaving the body. Furthermore, the minerals needed by the body will be absorbed in the tubules so they are not wasted with urine.
In addition to filtering waste and excess fluid, the kidneys also function to:
- Produces the enzyme renin which keeps blood pressure and salt levels in the body normal
- Makes the hormone erythropoietin which stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells
- Producing vitamin D in an active form which is beneficial for maintaining bone health
Chronic kidney failure (CKD) or chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes fluid, electrolytes, and waste to accumulate in the body and cause many disorders. Symptoms can be more pronounced when kidney function has decreased. In advanced stages, CKD can be dangerous if not treated, one of which is dialysis.
Chronic kidney failure is a global health problem whose number continues to increase. Based on the results of the 2013 Basic Health Research by the Indonesian Ministry of Health, 0.2% of the entire population of Indonesia suffers from chronic kidney failure.
A survey conducted by the association of kidney doctors throughout Indonesia shows that most chronic kidney failure in Indonesia occurs due to uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes (diabetic nephropathy).
Symptoms and Causes of Chronic Kidney Failure
Symptoms in patients with chronic kidney failure stages 1-3 are usually not so noticeable. Usually, the symptoms of chronic kidney failure are only felt when they reach stages 4 and 5 due to the severity of the body's metabolic disorders.
Symptoms found in patients with CKD include:
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Swelling in the feet and ankles
- Urinating a little
- Found urine in the blood
Chronic kidney failure is caused by damage to kidney tissue that is triggered by long-term disease. Some diseases that can cause kidney failure are diabetes, high blood pressure, and gout.
Treatment and Prevention of Chronic Kidney Failure
Management of CKD aims to relieve symptoms and prevent this disease from getting worse due to waste that cannot be removed from the body. For this reason, early detection and treatment as soon as possible is very necessary.
In general, treatment for chronic kidney failure includes:
- Administration of drugs
- Dialysis
- Kidney transplant
CKD can be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle and controlling diseases that can increase the risk of chronic kidney failure.
Complications of Chronic Kidney Failure
Chronic kidney failure can lead to a number of complications, namely:
- Electrolyte disturbances, such as phosphorus buildup and hyperkalemia or high levels of potassium in the blood
- Heart and blood vessel disease
- Accumulation of excess fluid in body cavities, for example pulmonary edema or ascites
- Anemia or lack of red blood cells
- Central nervous system damage that can cause seizures