Advanced Kidney Disease
A gradual loss of kidney function defines as advanced kidney disease or chronic kidney failure. The kidneys filter wastes that are harmful to the body and remove excess fluids from the blood via urine. When the kidneys are no longer functioning properly, toxins may build up in the body and manifest as fatigue, swelling of extremities, shortness of breath, muscle cramps, changes in the skin, and weight loss.
Those diagnosed with advanced kidney disease are advised fluid and salt restriction to avoid fluid build-up and congestion. In doing so, rapid weight loss can be an outcome, especially in hospitalized patients. Thus, proper nutrition plays a vital role in the disease outcome of people with advanced kidney disease.
Although this disease is not curable, it can be managed accordingly depending on the stage of the disease. Most people are treated with dialysis, where the removal of waste and extra fluid from the blood is done. Kidney transplants are also done where a healthy kidney from a donor is placed in the body and assumes the normal kidney’s function in the body.
