Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a growing health crisis in the Philippines, affecting millions with little warning. Early detection and proactive care are crucial to managing this condition effectively. What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
CKD: The Silent Threat
CKD is a progressive condition where the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. Often undetected in its early stages due to lack of symptoms, CKD can progress to life-threatening levels before being diagnosed. A 2022 study in revealed that CKD cases in the Philippines have risen to 35.94%, far above the global average of 9.1-13.4%.
Understanding CKD and Its Stages
CKD develops over time, with five stages ranging from mild (stage 1) to end-stage kidney disease (stage 5).
According to Dr. Aina Duque, nephrologist at Capitol Medical Center, protein in the urine is an early sign of kidney injury and a predictor of disease progression.
Diagnosis involves two simple tests:
eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate): Measures kidney function through blood tests.
uACR (urine albumin-creatinine ratio): Detects protein levels in urine, an early indicator of kidney damage.
What Are the Common Causes and Risk Factors of CKD?
“The number one cause of kidney failure, both globally and in the Philippines, is diabetes,” explains Dr. Duque. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, follows closely behind. These two conditions put significant strain on the kidneys over time, leading to gradual damage.
Other causes of CKD include glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, and comorbidities that increase the risk for CKD such as heart disease, obesity, and advanced age. Additionally, having a strong family history of kidney issues can increase your risk. This doesn’t only refer to relatives with diabetes or hypertension but also those who have experienced kidney stones that required dialysis, or underwent other kidney-related treatments.
Understanding these factors is crucial for early detection and prevention, especially if you fall into one or more of these high-risk categories.
What are the common symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease?
As mentioned earlier, CKD symptoms usually don’t appear until it has reached an advanced stage. When they do occur, they can be subtle at first but become more noticeable over time. Key symptoms to watch out for include:
- Foamy or bubbly urine (indicating protein leakage)
- Frequent urination, even during sleep
- Dry or itchy skin
- Swelling (edema) in the ankles, feet, or hands
- Persistent fatigue and loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- High blood pressure complications, such as heart attacks and strokes
- Neurological issues like confusion (encephalopathy) and seizures
How do we treat CKD?
Treating CKD isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Each patient’s condition is unique, requiring personalized care tailored to their specific needs and medical circumstances. As Dr. Aina Duque explains:
“Appropriate and tailored care is crucial. Treatment is done on a case-to-case basis. What works for one patient might not be suitable for another. I often hear misconceptions, like CKD Stage 5 patients shouldn’t eat fruit or drink water. It doesn’t work that way. Treatment plans are customized based on a patient’s capacity and clinical condition”.
Here’s an overview of common CKD treatments, always applied with this personalized approach:
- Lifestyle and Medication Management:
In the early stages, CKD progression can be slowed down with careful management:
- Diet and lifestyle adjustments: Tailored dietary changes help reduce the kidneys’ workload.
- Blood pressure and blood sugar control: Critical for patients with diabetes or hypertension.
- Medication: Prescribed based on individual needs to manage symptoms and underlying conditions.
- Dialysis:
When kidney function is severely impaired, dialysis helps filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. There are two main types:
- Hemodialysis: Blood is filtered through a machine outside the body.
- Peritoneal Dialysis: The abdominal lining filters blood internally using a special solution.
- Kidney Transplant:
For patients with end-stage CKD (Stage 5), a kidney transplant provides the most effective solution by replacing the diseased kidney with a healthy one. Transplant is still the best choice of treatment for end-stage kidney disease.
What is the role of your nephrologist when diagnosed with CKD?
When diagnosed with CKD, nephrologists focus on slowing the disease’s progression, preventing further damage, and preserving remaining kidney function.
Once CKD sets in and there’s already kidney damage, no medication can completely reverse it. What we can do is slow the progression of the disease or, ideally, stop it from getting worse. Early diagnosis improves management, with efforts to maintain the current disease stage as long as possible.
Comprehensive CKD Care at Capitol Medical Center: From Early Detection to Advanced Treatment Options
Capitol Medical Center takes a multifaceted approach to CKD management, addressing both the medical and emotional aspects of the disease. A common challenge for patients is adapting to dietary restrictions. Dr. Duque notes, “A big part of the problems we encounter with patients is their difficulty in translating the restrictions into a meal plan. It’s not just about telling patients what they can’t eat, but also about helping them understand what they can eat.”
To address this, Capitol’s Vitality Center pairs nephrologists with clinical nutritionists who tailor meal plans to meet individual needs. As Dr. Duque explains, “I do the prescription for our CKD patients, and then our clinical nutritionist translates this into meals that patients can actually enjoy. They help with meal planning and provide tips on substituting foods without making the patients feel deprived.”
This approach supports patients’ medical needs, helps mitigate emotional challenges like depression and frustration, and provides a sense of control over their health. Capitol Medical Center offers a full range of care, from early detection and preventive services to advanced treatments like dialysis and kidney transplants.
Take charge of your kidney health. Schedule a consultation today and learn how Capitol Medical Center can support you in maintaining better kidney health and quality of life.