Chronic non-communicable diseases, including chronic kidney disease, continue to be a major financial challenge in Anguilla and many other islands in the Caribbean. Patients with chronic kidney disease have a great impact on health systems. March 8 marked World Kidney Day, and many countries used the day and week to raise awareness on causes and treatment of kidney disease.
What is chronic kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease, also called chronic kidney failure, describes the gradual loss of kidney function. The kidneys filter wastes and excess fluids, from the blood, which are then excreted in the urine. When chronic kidney disease reaches an advanced stage, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and wastes can build up in body and this can result in serious illness and even death.
What are the causes of chronic kidney disease?
In the Caribbean, the Caribbean renal registry has identified diabetes mellitus and hypertension as the leading causes of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal failure. Most of the patients receiving dialysis at the Princess Alexandra Hospital have been diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension. There are other causes of chronic kidney disease, but these are rare and include other kidney diseases and infections, narrowed or blocked renal artery and many other medications to include ibuprofen.
Who gets chronic kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease affects people of all ages and races. It occurs in developed and developing countries such as Anguilla. Anguilla has a high incidence of diabetes and hypertension. Many of these patients are poorly managed and many have complications of these chronic conditions.
What are some symptoms of chronic kidney disease?
Many people who develop chronic kidney disease do not have symptoms at first. This is known as the “silent” phase of the disease. Blood investigations and medical examination usually confirm the diagnosis. Hence the need for regular medical check-ups.
As the condition progresses symptoms might develop and will include the follow:
• Urinate less than normal.
• Oedema – Have swelling and weight gain from fluid buildup in the tissues.
• Feel very tired.
• Loss of appetite or have an unexpected weight loss.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Either very sleepy or unable to sleep.
• Have headaches, or have trouble thinking clearly.
• Have a metallic taste in the mouth.
• Severe itching.
Treatment
Once a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease is confirmed, treatment management would be discussed with the patient. A team of healthcare professionals is usually involved in management of this chronic disorder.
Treatment for chronic kidney disease focuses on slowing the progression of the kidney damage, usually by controlling the underlying cause.
A kidney transplant is considered the ideal treatment, but other options might be discussed including dialysis. All forms of treatment can be very costly, hence the need to prevent patients from developing end-stage kidney disease which should be a top priority for this island.
Can chronic kidney disease be prevented?
In some patients chronic kidney disease can be prevented by controlling the other diseases or factors that can contribute to kidney disease. People who have already developed kidney failure also need to focus on these things to prevent the complications of kidney failure.
Conclusion
Chronic kidney disease takes a heavy toll on the affected individual and the entire country as well. Chronic kidney disease can affect almost every part of your body. Potential complications may occur and might include death. Uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading underlying causes of chronic kidney disease in Anguilla and many other Caribbean islands. Identification, and good control of these conditions, can help to prevent many cases of chronic kidney disease in Anguilla.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG, is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty-five years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
