All About Chronic Kidney Disease
As Per Modern Aspect
Chronic kidney disease is a progressive loss of kidney function over a period of several years. Kidneys filter the wastes and excess fluids from the blood which are then excreted through the urine. But in this disease, there is lasting damage to the kidneys that can get worse with time and the kidneys may stop functioning. This is also called kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In the early stages, there may be few symptoms or signs.
As Per Ayurvedic Aspect
Chronic kidney disease is correlated with mutrakrich or mutraroga.
What are the Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease?
- Hypertension (High Blood pressure): High blood pressure can damage the glomeruli part of the kidneys that are involved in filtering the waste products and remove them from the body.
- Genetic Factor: The person having chronic kidney disease may have a family history of this disorder.
- Age above 60 years: People above the age of 60 years are more prone to kidney disease.
- Heart diseases
- Type 1 or type 2 diabetes: This disease is linked to diabetes type 1 and 2. If the blood sugar level is not well controlled then excessive sugar can get accumulated in the blood. It is not common during the first 10 years of diabetes and commonly occurs after 15 to 25 years of the diagnosis of diabetes.
- The congenital disease like polycystic kidney disease
- The drug induces chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis: Overuse of NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.
- Reflux nephropathy
- A disease of the prostate such as benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Pinworms affecting in the kidneys can also cause nephropathy
- Injury: A sharp blow or any injury to the kidneys
What are the Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease?
Initially, chronic kidney disease is without symptoms and is reflected as an increase in serum creatinine or protein level in the urine. If one kidney stops functioning, then the other carry out the normal functions. People who are at high risk of developing kidney disease should keep their kidney functions regularly checked.
The Most Common Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
Bloody urine, anemia, edema over feet, hands and ankles, fatigue, insomnia, itching, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, muscle twitching, nausea, high blood pressure, insomnia, headache, erectile dysfunction, lower back pain, shortness of breath, bad breath, presence of protein in the urine, and changes in body weight.
What are the Different Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease?
Changes in the level of GFR can assess the advancement in kidney disease. Stages of kidney diseases are classified as follows:
- Stage 1: In this stage GFR rate is normal and evidence of kidney disease has been detected.
- Stage 2: In this stage, the GFR rate is lower than 90 milliliters and there is evidence of kidney disease
- Stage 3: In this stage, the GFR rate is lower than 60 milliliters and regardless of whether evidence of kidney disease.
- Stage 4: In this stage, the GFR rate is lower than 30 milliliters and there is evidence of kidney disease.
- Stage 5: In this stage, GFR is lower than 15 milliliters and there is an occurrence of renal failure.
The most important for kidney disease is to be diagnosed and treated early for the serious damage to be prevented.
How Can Chronic Kidney Disease be Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of chronic kidney disease is based on medical history and various examinations.
- Blood test:
The blood test determines whether the waste substances are adequately filtered out or not. If the urea and creatinine are persistently high then it is end-stage kidney disease.
- Urine examination:
This examination is done to find out whether there is protein or blood in the urine.
- Ultrasound:
Ultrasound is done to determine if there is any blockage in the urine flow. This reveals the shape and size of the kidneys because in the advanced stages of chronic kidney disease the kidneys become smaller in size and of uneven shape.
- Biopsy:
This examination is done for the diagnosis of kidney disease through kidney tissue.
- Chest X-ray:
The main aim is to check the pulmonary edema (retention of fluid in the lungs).
GFR (Glomerular filtration rate): GFR test is done for measuring the glomerular filtration rate which reflects the levels of waste products in the patient’s urine and blood. This examination measures the milliliters of waste the kidneys can filter per minute.
What are the Complications of Chronic Kidney Disease?
There may be a possibility of the following complications:
Dry skin or change in the skin color, retention of fluid, anemia, insomnia, ulcers in the stomach, weak immune system, pericarditis, hyperkalemia, male erectile dysfunction, osteomalacia, and pericarditis.
Herbs Used in Chronic Kidney Disease
There are several herbs useful in chronic kidney disease
- Varun (Crateva nurvala):
This herb is helpful in providing relief in symptoms related to chronic kidney diseases such as less urination, pale or dark colored urine, bloody urine, vomiting, and nausea. It also eliminates the waste products from the body.
- Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa):
It is an amazing herb used in Ayurveda which maintains the health of the kidneys. This herb also improves the function of kidneys.
- Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris):
Gokshur flushes out the waste material from the body and supports the regeneration of kidney cells.
- Kaasni (Cichorium intybus):
Kaasni is useful in managing the various problems such as renal stones and nephrotic syndrome which may lead to renal failure. It also maintains the proper functioning of the body.
- Bhumi Amalaki (Phyllanthus niruri):
Bhumi Amalaki supports good kidney health and provides relief in symptoms associated with chronic kidney disease.
- Pippali (Piper longum):
Pippali balances the Vata and Kapha doshas which are the main cause of chronic kidney disease. This herb removes excess waste from the body and maintains the proper functions of kidneys.
- Maricha (Piper nigrum):
Maricha is the most effective herb used in Ayurveda to manage the symptoms related to kidney disease. This herb helps in improving the
