Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common, yet serious, condition. CKD is often silently affecting multiple systems of your body, which is why visiting your doctor regularly is recommended. Delaying CKD progression will help to prevent the many complications associated with it. Learn more about common and serious complications of CKD, and how you can prevent them.* 

What are the common complications?

Healthy, working kidneys do more than many people realize. From removing waste and fluid from our body, to releasing hormones that help promote blood and bone health, kidneys are vital to life. As CKD progresses, it can cause other health concerns to arise. 

• Fluid retention can cause symptoms like swelling in the hands and feet, or cause shortness of breath. Since CKD can prevent waste from being removed, excess sodium builds up and tells your body to retain water.
• Do you experience fatigue or dizziness? Anemia, or a lack of red blood cells in the body, may be the cause. Red blood cells deliver oxygen to your tissues and organs, supplying your body with the energy needed to complete tasks. 
• Gout is a type of arthritis that affects the joints, causing pain and immobility. Gout is caused by the gradual buildup of uric acid crystals that aren’t flushed out of the system. 
• Mineral imbalances happen when your kidneys are no longer about to regulate hormones as they should. Calcium and phosphorus imbalances are common in CKD, and can lead to weakened bones, fractures, and osteoporosis. 
• Metabolic acidosis may occur when your kidneys are no longer able to regulate your pH balance (acid/base balance) and your blood becomes too acidic. It can lead to serious issues like muscle wasting, heart failure, and diabetes.
• A build-up of waste in the body can also cause digestive issues. Diarrhea, stomach ulcers, and heartburn are common symptoms. 
• For men, erectile dysfunction (ED) may occur from reduced blood flow. Speaking with a doctor to treat ED can improve your quality of life. 
• The body’s immune system is designed to fight off infection and disease. Unfortunately, CKD can lead to reduced immune system response. 
• The risk for heart disease increases as CKD progresses. Treating high blood pressure, diabetes, and/or mineral imbalances can help prevent heart disease and delay CKD progression.

How to Prevent and Treat Complications?

Treating conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can help to delay CKD progression and decrease the risk for complications of CKD. Some things you can do include:

• Follow a heart-healthy diet, which means limiting salt/sodium, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and avoiding fried foods and saturated fats.
• Smaller portions of protein foods may also be warranted as CKD progresses, so as not  to overburden the kidneys.
• Develop or maintain a fitness routine, whether formal workouts or other physical activity
• Stop smoking
• Avoid recreational drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamines
• Manage your stress with meditation, yoga, or other calming techniques
• Talk to a mental health professional if you have depression and/or anxiety

In cases where complications have already arisen, treating the complication(s) is needed. Different complications may warrant different types of providers. Treatment options may include medication, diet changes, and/or a referral to a specialist. Discuss CKD complications with your doctor to learn how you can treat or prevent them.   

*Martin, C. (2022, May 3). Preventing and Treating Complications of Chronic Kidney Disease. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/complications-of-ckd-5223123