Conditions

What is Graves' disease? Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to become overactive. This is one kind of hyperthyroidism. An autoimmune disorder causes the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack the body’s own cells instead of protecting them from outside invaders. In Graves’ disease, the body’s immune system secretes immunoglobulins (autoantibodies) against the thyroid gland. These immunoglobulins irritate the thyroid gland and make it produce more thyroid…

Managing Chronic Kidney Disease Chronic kidney disease brings a markedly increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which is a more common cause of death in these patients than renal failure. These patients often have other risk factors for heart disease, such as hyperlipidemia (increased lipid levels in blood).  Chronic Kidney Disease Diet CKD patients are kept on a special diet. The purpose of this diet is to keep the levels of electrolytes, minerals and fluid in balance. These changes…

Can Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) be prevented: The following may reduce your risk of developing or worsening CKD: Stop smoking and drinking alcohol Eat a balanced diet – avoid eating high cholesterol foods Exercise regularly Avoid usage of unprescribed medicine e.g. NSAIDs (pain killers) and abuse of antibiotics Manage your diabetes well Control your blood pressure

Different stages of Chronic Kidney Disease(CKD) Stage 1: The eGFR (estimated GFR) shows normal kidney function but you have some pre-existing kidney damage or disease. eGFR is 90 or more ml/min/1.73m2. This is the first stage of CKD.  Stage 2: Mildly reduced kidney function and you are already known to have some kidney damage or disease. Stage 3: Moderately reduced kidney function (with or without a known kidney disease. For example, an elderly person with ageing kidneys may have reduced…

What causes Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Diabetes mellitus (an increase in blood sugar level) raises the risk of developing CKD.  Hypertension (high blood pressure), if poorly controlled, can lead to CKD. CKD can also cause high blood pressure. Diabetes and hypertension together are responsible for two-thirds of cases of CKD. Glomerulonephritis, a group of diseases that cause inflammation and damage to the kidney's filtering units. These disorders are the third most common type of kidney…

Tests for Chronic kidney disease In many CKD patients, previous renal disease or other underlying diseases are already known. A small number present with CKD of unknown cause. Assessment of GFR is the best test to measure the level of kidney function and determine the stage of kidney disease. Urinary tract ultrasound and abdominal ultrasound, in which the size of the kidneys is measured. Kidneys with CKD are usually smaller (< 9 cm) than normal kidneys, with notable exceptions such as in…

Your doctor may suggest the following treatments for CKD: Control of blood pressure Treatment of the original disease, like treatment of diabetes Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs) to control the progression of kidney disease by improving renal blood flow  Replacement of erythropoietin and calcitriol (intravenous or intramuscular iron therapy prior to treatment with erythropoietin is recommended) Phosphate binders used to control…

Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease Initially there are no specific symptoms and Chronic Kidney Disease is generally only detected as an increase in serum creatinine or protein in the urine. As kidney function decreases, you may have the following symptoms of CKD: Feel more tired and have less energy Have trouble concentrating Have poor appetite Have trouble sleeping Have muscle cramping at night Have swollen feet and ankles Have puffiness around your eyes, especially in the morning Have dry,…

Managing Graves’ disease The most important thing is to receive the necessary medical care. After you and your doctor have decided on a course of action, there are some things you can do that will help you cope with the condition and support your body during its healing process. Get regular exercise: Exercise in general will help you feel better and improve your muscle tone and cardiovascular system. Brittle bones can occur with Graves' disease and weight-bearing exercises help maintain bone…