Pathophysiology of Chronic Renal Disease

Pathophysiology is a medical term used to describe the functional changes that occur during the course of a disease or medical condition. The pathophysiology of chronic renal disease makes it difficult for the kidneys to maintain their normal functions.

Functional Changes

• Chronic renal disease makes it difficult for the kidneys to filter wastes from the blood, maintain normal electrolyte levels and eliminate excess fluid from the body.

Significance

• As kidney function declines, waste products build up in the blood. As these waste products accumulate, you may experience nausea, vomiting, itching, weakness and fatigue. These are symptoms of chronic renal disease.

Identification

• The accumulation of waste products in the blood is determined with a blood test known as the basic metabolic panel. Blood tests also reveal abnormal levels of sodium, chloride and other electrolytes in the blood. High concentrations of microalbumin and protein in the urine are signs of kidney disease, as these substances leak from the damaged kidneys and into the urine.

Effects

• Poor kidney function increases the risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia, which causes weakness and fatigue. Since chemicals controlled by the kidneys are responsible for maintaining normal blood pressure levels, kidney disease increases the risk for high blood pressure (hypertension). You are also more prone to infections if you have kidney disease, since kidney disease weakens the immune system.

Prevention

• You may be asked to follow a low-protein diet and restrict your intake of sodium, potassium or phosphorus. This diet reduces the workload of the kidneys and helps these organs maintain their normal functions. Your doctor may also ask you to take prescription medications to control your blood pressure, eliminate excess fluid from the bloodstream or correct low levels of vitamins and minerals in the body.