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  • Chronic Kidney Disease
    Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem.  lthough the exact reasons for the growth of CKD are unknown, changes in the demographics of the population, differences in disease burden among racial groups, and under-recognition of earlier stages of CKD and of risk factors for CKD may partially explain this growth It is also known as Chronic Renal Disease. 
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 27 January 2016

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 serum phosphate levels, which are usually elevated in advanced chronic kidney disease. 
  • Zerenex (TM), a promising new drug used in the treatment of both elevated serum phosphate levels and anaemia in these patients, likely reducing or eliminating the need for other drugs
  • For Stage 5 chronic kidney disease, renal replacement therapy is usually required, in the form of either dialysis or a kidney transplant
  • Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and zinc show potential for helping men with sexual dysfunction

Stories

  • When My Kidneys Failed Completely
    Chandralekha Das, a teacher and mass communication expert from Silchar, Assam, who is a kidney transplant patient, emphasises that a successful kidney transplant may allow you to live the kind of life you were living before you got kidney disease. Read her triumph over death. Eight years ago, at 28, I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease. I was in Bangalore, rushing to office one fine morning, when suddenly I suffered an acute bout of breathlessness. I felt numb and weak, and dizzy. I…
  • I Donated My Kidney to Save My Son
    Vasundhara Raghavan is the author of two books on chronic kidney diseases, one of which narrates the life of her son, Aditya, who has lived through dialysis and two transplants. In a detailed interview she talks about the harrowing twists and turns the family battled. You have had a very close brush with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its devastating complications. Could you tell us how and when it started? My life changing experience began in November 1996. A headache kept my son, Aditya, at…
  • A profile pic of a young woman who is a CKD warrior
    CKD is not the end of life. Find a purpose. Live for it!
    Sejal Jobanputra, 39 from Mumbai has been on dialysis for the last 13 years after her transplant failed. Strong antibiotics also made her deaf. But she has been fighting CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease), pain and depression all these years like a true fighter. Please tell us a bit about your condition I am suffering from kidney failure and I have been on dialysis for the past 13 years. I have also been deaf for last 12 years. When were you diagnosed? I was diagnosed in 2003 What were the early…
  • Partial image of a person in a white doctor coat with stethoscope around the neck holding an image of kidney
    Common Myths about Kidney Health
    Worldwide 850 million people suffer from some form of kidney disease. Kidney diseases are also one of the leading causes of death worldwide, estimated to be 2.4 million deaths per year. Dr. Rajesh Kumar, a Kidney Specialist and Transplant Surgeon from Mumbai helps explain the misconceptions around kidney health. PatientsEngage asked Dr. Rajesh Kumar about common beliefs on Kidney health: I must drink 8 glasses of water daily to keep my kidneys healthy and get rid of toxins. One to 1.5…
  • What Foods to Eat with Kidney Disease
    And 7 Renal Diet Tips. Every year millions are affected by kidney disease. Dr Anup Chaudhary, Nephrologist, and Dietician Ushakiran Sisodia, both from Nanavati Hospital, identify the right foods to help us maintain healthy kidneys and slow down progression of a kidney disease. Dr Anup Chaudhary Why is good nutrition important for people with kidney disease? Good nutrition is important for people with kidney disease because malnutrition is the predominant cause of morbidity and mortality in…
  • Image of a jar of water with cucumber and mint. Risk of Dehydration in Winter
    Are You Drinking Enough Water in Winter?
    People often fail to recognize the significant dangers of dehydration in winter, dismissing it as a health concern of hot, summer months. Dr Shital Raval corrects this common misconception and advocates why water is crucial even during the cold weather to stay energized. Dehydration is a hidden threat in the months of winter when many people forget to drink as much water as they do in hot summer months. This is a common psychological mistake as we easily forget about hydration in the cold…
  • Antibiotic Resistance, a threat to Healthcare
    Antibiotic resistance or Antimicrobial resistance(AMR) is emerging as a major threat the world over. With high prevalence of infectious disease and poor health care, India is the largest consumer of antibiotics. Dr. Camilla Rodrigues, Consultant Microbiologist & Chairperson Infection Control Committee, P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, gives us an overview of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance, a global concern, is particularly pressing in developing nations, including India, where…
  • FDA Grants First Clearance for Patients to Perform Solo Hemodialysis at Home
    The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted clearance to NxStage Medical’s System One hemodialysis device. Solo Home Hemodialysis The FDA expanded the indication for the NxStage Medical System One to include solo home hemodialysis. However, the patient must remain awake, reported medGadget. Physicians must prescribe the machine for patients to use the therapy at home. The System One is a portable device that can be placed in a room and used as directed by a physician. Risks are…
  • Why is Blood Calcium Level Important?
    This time in our Health by Numbers/Medical Tests series, Dr Shital Raval takes a look at the importance of Calcium levels in the metabolic panel. Read the previous parts on Sodium Levels, Potassium Levels and Chloride Levels CALCIUM: Calcium is an important component of our bones, teeth, nerve cells and organs such as heart and kidneys. A blood calcium test is ordered if there are any symptoms of any bone or neurological disorders, kidney stones etc or can be a part of a Comprehensive…
  • Do You Need the Serum Chloride Test?
    This time in our Health by Numbers/Medical Tests series, Dr Shital Raval takes a look at the importance of Chloride levels in the electrolyte panel. Read the first part on Sodium Levels and second part on Potassium Levels An electrolyte panel is a blood test that measures the common minerals in the body such as sodium, calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium. Electrolytes are essential for the proper functioning of the heart, muscles and brain as they are needed to…