Also called chronic kidney disease or chronic kidney failure, kidney disease as the name suggests affects the kidneys. Kidneys are vital organs of the human body, which play the role of separating waste and unwanted fluids from the bloodstream and transferring it to the bladder for excretion. Kidney disease is responsible for the loss of function at a slow pace. Without the kidney, the filtration of the blood gradually decreases and the body starts filling up with toxic waste.

With minor signs in the early stages, it is not until severe effects on the kidney that kidney disease becomes obvious. Treatment for this illness mainly requires controlling the spread of the damage to the kidney, which is done by dealing with the main cause of the illness. If left unchecked, the disease can progress into the end-stage, making it impossible for the kidney to function. The person has to then depend on dialysis or procedures like kidney transplants.

Symptoms
The symptoms of kidney disease are such that they can also be the result of other illnesses. Due to the adaptive nature of kidneys, symptoms can often not be detected until the damage is irreparable. The symptoms of kidney disease include:

• Low appetite
• Weakness
• Problems in sleep
• Muscle cramps
• Swollen feet
• Chest pain
• Restricted breathing
• High blood pressure

Causes
Kidney disease happens in the case where other illnesses cause damage to the kidney, which gets worse over time. Some of these illnesses are:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Swelling up of glomeruli
• Redness in kidney tubes
• Blockage in the urinary tract due to illnesses like kidney stones or enlarged prostate
• Kidney infections

Apart from the above-given illnesses, the following risk factors can increase the chance of kidney disease:

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Family history
• Unusual kidney structure
• Old age

Prevention
In the case of consuming over-the-counter painkillers, one should strictly abide by the guidelines given on the packet. Overconsumption of these drugs can lead to severe kidney damage. It’s always better to consult a doctor before taking any medication.

By means of regular physical activity, a person should try to maintain optimal body weight, meaning neither too high nor too low. If required, one should consult a doctor for ways to achieve effective weight loss. The basic method one can employ to maintain optimal weight is to increase physical exertion and reduce calorie intake to match the optimal quantities.

Consumption of tobacco through cigarettes can cause damage to the kidney or make the existing damage worse. One should educate themselves about the harmful effects of smoking; more specifically, explore strategies that can help in quitting. If facing problems with quitting, a person should seek counseling, join support groups, or consult a doctor for medication that might make the process easier.

A person should be well aware of his own health. Medical tests should be done at regular intervals of time to be prepared for any and all possible diseases.