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About Chronic
Kidney Disease Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of your fist. They are located near the middle of your back, just below the rib cage. Your kidneys operate as a filtering system. The kidneys regulate your body water and other chemicals in your blood such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. They remove drugs and toxins introduced into the body. And release hormones into your blood to help your body regulate blood pressure, make red blood cells, and promote strong bones. Patients suffering from chronic kidney disease have lost the capacity for the process of the necessary functions of the kidneys. If untreated, wastes can build to toxic levels in your blood. Patients with chronic kidney disease may develop complications like high blood pressure, anemia, weak bones, poor nutritional health, and nerve damage. Additionally, kidney disease increases your risk of having heart and blood vessel disease. Early detection and treatment can often keep chronic kidney disease from getting worse. When kidney disease progresses, it may eventually lead to kidney failure which requires dialysis or kidney transplantation to maintain life. Anyone can get chronic kidney disease at any age. However, some people are more likely than others to develop kidney disease. You may have an increased risk for kidney disease if you have the following: diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of chronic kidney disease, are older, belong to a population group that has a high rate of diabetes or high blood pressure. Most people may not have any severe symptoms until their kidney disease is advanced. Some possible symptoms of chronic kidney disease include: feeling tired and loss of energy; loss of concentration, poor appetite, trouble sleeping; cramping at night; swollen feet and ankles; puffiness around your eyes, especially in the morning; dry, itchy skin; a need to urinate more often, especially at night. Talk to your doctor if you feel you at at risk. There are test that can be performed and may assist in early detection of chronic kidney disease.
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