Glossary
End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), also known as stage 5 kidney disease, is the final stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This condition is characterized by the complete or nearly complete loss of kidney function. The kidneys, two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine below the rib cage, play a crucial role in maintaining the body's overall health. They filter waste and excess fluid from the blood, which is then excreted through urine. They also help regulate blood pressure, red blood cell production, and the balance of essential minerals in the body. When the kidneys fail to perform these functions effectively, it results in ESRD.ESRD is not an overnight occurrence; it is the culmination of years of damage to the kidneys.
The progression to ESRD can be slow and subtle, with the early stages of kidney disease often showing no symptoms. As the disease advances, symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, difficulty concentrating, poor appetite, trouble sleeping, muscle cramps, swollen feet and ankles, persistent itching, and chest pain may become apparent. If left untreated, these symptoms can progress to ESRD, which is a life-threatening condition. The primary causes of ESRD are diabetes and high blood pressure, which together account for about two-thirds of all cases. Other conditions that can damage the kidneys and lead to ESRD include autoimmune diseases like lupus, genetic diseases such as polycystic kidney disease, chronic urinary tract infections, and certain environmental factors. Diagnosis of ESRD is typically based on a combination of symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The most definitive test is a glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which measures how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. A GFR of less than 15 indicates ESRD. Once diagnosed, ESRD requires lifelong treatment to replace the work of the failed kidneys.
The two main forms of treatment are dialysis and kidney transplantation. Dialysis is a procedure that artificially cleans the blood, removing waste and excess fluid. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis, where blood is filtered through a machine, and peritoneal dialysis, where a special fluid is used to clean the blood inside the body. Kidney transplantation, on the other hand, involves surgically implanting a healthy kidney from a donor into the patient's body. While transplantation can offer a better quality of life than dialysis, it's not an option for everyone due to factors like overall health, availability of donor kidneys, and the potential for organ rejection. Living with ESRD can be challenging, but with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, many people with the disease can maintain an active life. This includes following a healthy diet, staying physically active, taking prescribed medications, and regularly attending medical appointments. It's also important for patients to manage other health conditions that can worsen kidney disease, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
In conclusion, ESRD is a serious, life-threatening condition that represents the final stage of chronic kidney disease. It is characterized by the complete or nearly complete loss of kidney function, requiring lifelong treatment to replace the work of the failed kidneys. While the progression to ESRD can often be slowed with early detection and proper management of underlying conditions, once the disease has advanced to this stage, treatment options are limited to dialysis and kidney transplantation. Despite these challenges, many people with ESRD can lead active lives with the right treatment and lifestyle modifications.