End-stage Renal Disease
End-stage Renal Disease
End-stage renal disease is also known as end-stage kidney disease. It is characterized by chronic and gradual loss of functions of kidney which ultimately leads to advanced state. When kidney can’t function properly; fluids, electrolytes and other waste substances buildup in body in dangerous levels.
Symptoms
Early disease is asymptomatic but later it presents with following signs and symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Decrease appetite
- Problem in sleeping
- Altered frequency of urination
- Decrease cognitive functions
- Muscle cramps
- Edema of feet and ankles
- Chest pain
- Hypertension
- Problematic breathing
- Persistent fatigue
Causes
There are certain diseases and condition that lead to end-stage renal disease. They include:
- Diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2
- High blood pressure
- Glomerulonephritis
- Interstitial nephritis
- Enlarged prostate
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Pyelonephritis
- Vesicoureteral reflex
Complications
Complications include:
- Pulmonary edema
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Anemia
- Decrease libido
- Increase risk of fractures
- Decrease immunity
- Defects in central nervous system
- Pericarditis
- Problems during pregnancy
- Irreversible damage to the kidneys
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of end-stage renal disease depends upon detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of the patient. Other tests include the following:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Imaging tests like CT scan, X-rays, MRI
- Biopsy of sample kidney tissue
Treatment
Treatment options include:
- Kidney transplant is usually the treatment of choice.
- Dialysis is done which can be peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis
- Supportive care is suggested to manage the symptoms better.
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Limit the consumption of salt in your diet
- Consume those foods that have low potassium content.
- Consume recommended amount of proteins in diet.