Living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) can overwhelm patients at different stages. However, expert care offers significant relief. At Devasya, a renowned kidney hospital, the best kidney doctor in India leads a team of skilled nephrologists and urologists to deliver comprehensive, patient-centric care.
This post explains the definition, symptoms, diagnosis, and top treatments for CKD. You'll also discover why Devasya Hospital excels in CKD care.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
When kidneys lose their ability to filter waste, the disease advances silently through stages. This persistent issue is known as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) determines the intensity or stage of CKD. During the mild, 1st stage, GFR is over 90, and it may progress to kidney failure (stage 5, when GFR is under 15).
What are the Symptoms of CKD?
CKD usually progresses silently, and many patients don't notice it until fatigue sets in due to anemia or waste buildup. You may notice symptoms such as swelling in the legs and ankles and foamy urine, which indicates protein loss.
Additional signs include high blood pressure, itchy skin, reduced appetite, nausea, and disrupted sleep. Muscle cramps, breathlessness, metallic taste, and odour indicate advancing CKD. Never ignore these symptoms.
How is CKD Diagnosed?
Doctors conduct the following advanced diagnostic tests:
- Blood tests for eGFR
- Urine tests for albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) to spot protein leakage
- Ultrasound imaging to check kidney size and rule out blockages
- Biopsy, if required, to accurately stage your CKD
Expert urologists and nephrologists at Devasya Hospital tailor treatment plans based on test results and provide holistic care.
What are the Best Treatments for CKD?
CKD is rarely reversible in later stages. However, we slow its progression and effectively address complications.
Slowing CKD Progression
- We help you keep your blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg with ACE inhibitors or ARBs. They protect your kidneys beyond simply lowering your blood pressure.
- Strictly manage your diabetes with SGLT2 inhibitors. Along with controlling your blood sugar levels, these also protect your kidneys.
- Limit salt intake to 2g daily. Treat acidosis with bicarbonate. Follow a lower-protein diet under a nutritionist's guidance.
Options When CKD Further Complicates
The best kidney doctor in India provides treatments to help CKD patients effectively manage complications, such as anemia, bone issues, and heart risks, through prescribed medications.
The team of expert nephrologists and urologists also addresses stones and obstructions effectively that may worsen CKD.
End-Stage Options at Devasya
If the kidneys falter, dialysis (peritoneal or hemodialysis) and transplant are the options. Kidney transplants provide better long-term benefits. Our experts prepare you early with vascular access planning and donor matching.
We provide patient-centric care through hemodialysis and conservative options if required.
Lifestyle Tips to Manage CKD
Our experts recommend some small steps leading to huge benefits:
- Quit smoking, as it accelerates kidney damage.
- Exercise for 30 minutes to aid heart health and manage weight.
- Keep your diet kidney-friendly: fresh, low-potassium fruits, less processed foods, and lean protein.
- Track blood pressure and blood sugar levels at home and share the logs with your doctor.
These good habits, paired with care from the best kidney doctor in India at our kidney hospital, help you thrive and stabilize or slow down the progression of Chronic Kidney Disease.
FAQs
1. Is it possible to reverse CKD?
Ans. Medication and lifestyle changes may help stabilize early-stage CKD. However, if the damage is advanced, the focus shifts to slowing the progression.
2. How often should I check my kidneys if I have CKD?
Ans. You should get annual checkups for stage 3, and if you have stage 4-5, you should get your kidneys examined every 6 months. Regular blood pressure and weight logs are also essential.
3. Is dialysis the only end-stage option?
Ans. No. Kidney transplants work better in the long term. We also guide peritoneal dialysis or home hemodialysis.
4. Why choose Devasya for CKD?
Ans. The kidney hospital boasts a team of expert nephrologists and urologists led by the best kidney doctor in India. We offer holistic, patient-centric care for chronic kidney disease.
