Are you or someone you know living with chronic kidney disease and experiencing symptoms of anemia such as fatigue and weakness?
Understanding the relationship between anemia and chronic kidney disease is crucial in managing your health and improving your quality of life.
Anemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease and can have serious consequences if left untreated.
By learning about the causes and symptoms of anemia in chronic kidney disease, as well as the available treatment options, you can take control of your health and manage your symptoms effectively.
What is the importance of Understanding Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
The main reason for anemia in chronic kidney disease is the lack of a hormone called erythropoietin, which stimulates the bone marrow to form new red blood cells.
What are the symptoms of Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease?
- Extreme Fatigue
- Paleness in Skin
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Chest Pain
- Fainting
- Rapid pulse rate
- Weakness
- Headaches
- Sleep Problems
- Anxiety
What are the factors that may worsen Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease
The factors which may worsen anemia in chronic kidney disease are less vitamin B12, iron and folate in the blood. Moreover, in chronic kidney disease, the survival of blood cells gets affected, and more red blood cells die than they are produced.
The other causes of anemia can be blood loss due to dialysis, inflammation, infection and poor nutrition.
People with diabetes have a greater chance of developing anemia in CKD. Also, people who are more than 60 years old have a higher chance of developing CKD.
It has been observed that people with less than 15% kidney function are more likely to develop anemia.
How is Anemia diagnosed in Chronic Kidney Disease?
Physical examination will be done by the doctor who will look for skin color, rashes pulse rate, and blood pressure to suspect anemia in the patient.
The next step is a diagnostic blood test to know the complete blood count which will tell the number of red blood cells and also its average size. The blood level of hemoglobin will also be prescribed.
The doctor will also prescribe to know the blood levels of vitamin B 12 and folate
Finally, tests for protein ferritin ( a protein that stores iron ) and transferrin ( a protein that carries iron in the blood ) may also be prescribed.
What are the treatment of Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease?
1. Iron supplements
Iron supplements may be given as oral tablets if you develop anemia in CKD. Iron helps in the formation of new blood cells in the body. If you are going through dialysis IV iron may also be provided.
The side effects of taking iron supplement are nausea, vomitting, dizziness, chill and chest pain. An experienced doctor should be consulted before taking iron supplements.
2. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents ( ESA) may be given subcutaneously if you are on dialysis, if you are not on dialysis then ESA can be given as shots. Iron supplements are generally given with ESA to avoid repeated blood transfusions.
The side effects of taking ESA are joint pain, rash, nausea and headache.
3. Blood transfusions
Blood transfusions is the fastest way to treat anemia in CKD as the new blood cells from the donor will quickly reverse anemia.
But repeated blood transfusions have certain problems. Antibodies may be developed against the new blood cells in your body which can delay the process of a kidney transplant. Secondly, iron overload or hemochromatosis can occur due to the accumulation of iron in tissues and organs in the body.
What are the Diet and Lifestyle Changes to Manage Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease?
For changes in the diet and lifestyle, it is important to consult a dietician
For CKD patients, a high amount of protein food is not advised as the kidney has to work harder to remove the waste from your protein food. Phosphorus, potassium, and sodium should also be avoided. Phosphorus will reduce the calcium content in your blood and make your bones weak. Intake of high potassium with a damaged kidney will make your heart rhythms go abnormal. Excessive sodium intake can lead to the accumulation of body fluid and an increase in blood pressure.
In order to live a healthy life and manage the complications of CKD, you can take stem cell therapy to rejuvenate your damaged kidneys.
What are the complications of Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease?
A. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease is a consequence of anemia and CKD. In anemia, less oxygen reaches the heart and it increases the chances of heart attack and cardiomyopathy ( malfunctioning of cardiac muscles).
B. Reduced quality of life
Quality of life is greatly reduced in anemia for CKD patients as there is general weakness and inability to do daily activities due to extreme fatigue. There may be dizziness and rapid pulse rate which may further increase sleeplessness and anxiety in patients
C. Increased risk of death
Anemia and CKD can cause significant mortality in patients as cardiac function is greatly compromised. Glomerular Filtration Rate (the rate at which the kidney filters waste) is greatly diminished and can cause multiple organ failures resulting in death.
Conclusion
Anemia and CKD both can cause severe complications in patients and require urgent treatment. Anemia makes the body too weak and increases the chances of cardiovascular malfunction.
In order to rejuvenate your kidney and prevent anemia you can try stem cell therapy.
