Chronic kidney disease is a condition in which kidney function progressively and permanently declines, affecting the body’s ability to filter waste and excess water. If left untreated and not properly cared for, it can lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which requires treatment with dialysis or a kidney transplant. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and ways to prevent chronic kidney disease is important for maintaining overall health.

Chronic Kidney Disease

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition in which the kidneys lose their ability to function continuously for more than 3 months. The kidneys are important organs that filter waste and excess water from the blood, as well as maintain the balance of minerals in the body. When kidney function declines, it affects health in many ways.

Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease

  • Diabetes Improper blood sugar control can damage blood vessels in the kidneys.
  • High blood pressure High blood pressure damages blood vessels in the kidneys, affecting kidney function.
  • Glomerulonephritis Inflammation of the kidneys can be caused by infection or autoimmune disorders.
  • Kidney stones or urinary tract obstruction Long-term obstruction can damage the kidneys.
  • Use of drugs or chemicals that are toxic to the kidneys, such as long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease

In the early stages, chronic kidney disease often has no obvious symptoms. But when kidney function declines significantly, the following symptoms may appear:

  • Abnormal urination, frequent urination at night or unusually dark urine.
  • Swelling, swelling in the legs, feet or around the eyes due to the body retaining water.
  • Fatigue and exhaustion Caused by anemia due to the kidneys producing less hormones that control the production of red blood cells.
  • Itchy body, the accumulation of waste in the blood causes itching.
  • Headaches and decreased concentration, caused by the accumulation of waste in the blood.
  • Nausea and loss of appetite, resulting from the accumulation of waste in the body.

Diagnosis of chronic kidney disease

  • Blood tests, kidney function tests, such as creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
  • Urine tests, to check for abnormalities, such as protein in the urine.
  • Imaging, ultrasound, or CT scan to view the structure of the kidney.
  • Kidney biopsy, used in cases where the cause of the disease needs to be confirmed.
การรักษา โรคไตเรื้อรัง

Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment

  • Control the underlying disease, control blood sugar and blood pressure levels to be at an appropriate level
  • Use of medicines, blood pressure lowering drugs such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs, and cholesterol-lowering drugs to prevent heart and blood vessel disease
  • Diet modification, reduce salt intake, potassium, phosphorus, and eat the right amount of protein
  • Dialysis or kidney transplantation is used in cases where the kidneys fail and cannot function

Prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease

  • Control blood sugar levels, diabetics should control their blood sugar levels to be close to normal
  • Maintain blood pressure within normal range, check blood pressure regularly
  • Avoid taking medicines that may be toxic to the kidneys, such as long-term anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Eat healthy food, reduce consumption of foods high in salt and fat
  • Drink enough water, drinking water helps the kidneys work efficiently
  • Exercise regularly, reducing the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure
  • Annual health check-ups, especially for those at risk, such as those with diabetes or high blood pressure

Chronic Kidney Disease Screening at Phuket Medical Clinic, Laguna Branch

Phuket Medical Clinic, Laguna Branch is ready to provide comprehensive kidney health check-ups with modern technology and a team of expert doctors for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment methods

Kidney Health Checkup Procedure

  • Take a history and assess risks, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney disease.
  • Blood test to measure kidney function (Kidney Function Test – KFTs) such as Creatinine, BUN and eGFR
  • Urinalysis to check for protein or blood in the urine
  • Ultrasound Kidney to check for kidney abnormalities
  • Consultation by a specialist and recommend ways to care for kidney health

Why do you need a kidney health checkup at Phuket Medical Clinic, Laguna branch?

  • A team of specialist kidney doctors are ready to provide advice and close care.
  • Modern diagnostic technology, accurate and fast
  • Provide advice on kidney health care and ways to prevent chronic kidney disease
  • Private service, confident in the quality and safety of treatment

If you have abnormal symptoms or risk factors for kidney disease, you should have a regular kidney health checkup. Contact Phuket Medical Clinic, Laguna branch for consultation and examination.

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Contact Channels

Laguna Branch

  • Phuket Medical Clinic, Laguna Branch is located at 58/1, Cherngtalay Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket Province 83100
  • Open every day, Monday – Sunday, 09.00 – 22.00 hrs.
  • Inquire via Line id. @pmcphuket (with @)
  • Contact number 096 236 2449
  • Clinic map https://maps.app.goo.gl/SXaeLrSU9Lx47YPH6
  • Book an appointment online https://pmclaguna.youcanbook.me

Branch in the city

Boat Lagoon Branch

  • Phuket Medical Clinic Boat Lagoon Branch is located at 20/96. Moo 2, Thepkrasattri Rd., Koh Kaew Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket Province 83000
  • Open every day, Monday – Sunday, 10.00 – 18.00 hrs.
  • Inquire via Line ID. @pmcphuket (with @)
  • Contact number 096 696 2449
  • Clinic map https://maps.app.goo.gl/HbqfUKMEHXuKwan96
  • Book an appointment online https://pmctown.youcanbook.me

Chronic kidney disease is a condition that can be prevented and controlled with proper care. Controlling the underlying disease such as diabetes and high blood pressure, changing lifestyle habits, and having regular health checkups will help reduce the risk and slow down kidney deterioration. Taking care of your health starts with taking care of yourself every day for a long and healthy life!

Reference

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Chronic Kidney Disease Initiative. [ออนไลน์] เข้าถึงได้จาก: https://www.cdc.gov/kidneydisease
  • National Kidney Foundation (NKF). (2023). Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. [ออนไลน์] เข้าถึงได้จาก: https://www.kidney.org
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Global Health Estimates: Chronic Kidney Disease and Its Impact on Public Health. [ออนไลน์] เข้าถึงได้จาก: https://www.who.int
  • โรงพยาบาลศิริราช. (2023). โรคไตเรื้อรัง: สาเหตุ การป้องกัน และแนวทางรักษา. [ออนไลน์] เข้าถึงได้จาก: https://www.si.mahidol.ac.th
  • สมาคมโรคไตแห่งประเทศไทย. (2023). การดูแลสุขภาพไตและการป้องกันโรคไตเรื้อรัง. [ออนไลน์] เข้าถึงได้จาก: https://www.nephrothai.org