Managing Chronic Kidney Disease with Modern Medicine

Managing Chronic Kidney Disease with Modern Medicine

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that affects the kidneys’ function to filter waste products from your blood. It is a long-term health condition that tends to progress over time, leading to severe health complications in the absence of timely intervention. According to the National Kidney Foundation, about 37 million adults in the United States have CKD, with over 90 percent of them not being aware of their condition. This is a concerning statistic, and understanding how to manage CKD with modern medicine can help reduce the risk of further complications.

Medications that help manage chronic kidney disease

Modern medicine has made significant strides in developing drugs to manage CKD. The following is a list of drugs prescribed to manage CKD:

1. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors:

ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood. They also help reduce the protein excretion in the urine, which is a common symptom among people with kidney disease. Commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors include enalapril and lisinopril.

2. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs):

ARBs work like ACE inhibitors and are also used to lower blood pressure and reduce protein excretion in urine. However, they work by blocking the action of angiotensin, which is a type of hormone responsible for narrowing the blood vessels. Commonly prescribed ARBs include losartan and valsartan.

3. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs):

CCBs are another type of blood pressure medication. They help relax the blood vessels, improving blood flow, and reduce the workload on the heart. Nifedipine and amlodipine are commonly prescribed CCBs.

4. Diuretics:

Diuretics help the kidneys remove excess water and salt from the body, helping to reduce fluid overload, a common symptom in kidney patients. Furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide are commonly prescribed diuretics.

5. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA):

ESA drugs are prescribed to treat anemia, a condition that affects the red blood cell count, which is common among people with advanced CKD. These drugs stimulate the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow, improving oxygen flow in the body. Commonly prescribed ESA drugs include darbepoetin alfa and epoetin alfa.

6. Iron supplements:

Iron supplements are often prescribed with ESA drugs since they help build red blood cells and prevent iron deficiency anemia, a common complication among people with CKD.

Management of Chronic Kidney Disease

In addition to medication, several lifestyle modifications can help manage CKD. They include:

1. Diet:

A kidney-friendly diet is one that is low in sodium, phosphorus, and protein. It’s essential to maintain a healthy weight and avoid processed foods, which are high in sodium and phosphorus.

2. Exercise:

Regular physical activity helps regulate blood pressure and reduces the risk of developing other health conditions that could exacerbate CKD.

3. Quitting smoking:

Smoking is a risk factor for many health conditions, including kidney disease. Quitting smoking can help prevent further damage to the kidneys.

4. Monitoring blood pressure:

Controlling blood pressure is critical for people with CKD since high blood pressure damages the blood vessels in the kidneys.

Conclusion

Managing chronic kidney disease with modern medicine involves a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications. Medications such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, CCBs, diuretics, ESA drugs, and iron supplements help manage the progression of the disease. Additionally, several lifestyle modifications, including diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and monitoring blood pressure, can help prevent further damage to the kidneys. Early detection and timely interventions are crucial in managing CKD and reducing the risk of severe health complications. If you think you may be at risk, please speak to your health care provider to schedule a kidney function test.