In the process of metabolism and the numerous bodily functions, wastes and superfluous sodium, electrolytes and fluid accumulate in the body. The kidneys filter these surpluses from the bloodstream to be released via urination. If the functionality of the kidneys is compromised, toxic levels of these extra waste products will amass in the body, resulting in a variety of medical issues and possibly even death.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD, chronic renal impairment) is divided into five stages, the fifth being end-stage CKD, or established CKD. End-stage CKD is chronic and ultimately fatal. Dialysis (artificial filtering of the bloodstream) or kidney transplant are commonly required to treat CKD. Though some patients may choose to take part in a renal impairment clinical trial as well.

As renal function declines, fluid overloads the bloodstream and the kidneys responsively produce vasoactive hormones and does not filter waste from the bloodstream. Also, the kidneys allow valuable red blood cells and protein to filter out of the blood stream and exit the body through the urine. The chronic decline of kidney function occurs progressively, sometimes taking many years, causing increasingly worse bodily ills.

The following is a list of symptoms that may be experienced in patients with chronic kidney disease:

Urine output increase or decrease

Excess red blood cells in urine

Excess protein in urine

High blood pressure

Pericarditis

Shortness of breath

Chest heaviness

Encephalopathy

Accumulation of urea

Anemia

Hyperkalemia (accumulation of potassium)

High blood pressure

Excess creatinine in the bloodstream

Hypocalcemia (lack of calcium)

Excess fluid in the body

Edema

Accelerated atherosclerosis

Metabolic acidosis

Hyperphosphatemia (accumulation of phosphate)

Weakness

Cardiovascular disease

Vomiting

Nausea

Loss of appetite

Weight gain

Muscle twitching

Mental impairment

Itching

Hiccups

Interrupted sleep

Trouble sleeping

In the early stages of chronic kidney disease, patients may experience little to no symptoms. It is actually quite normal for patients to not suffer any symptoms until they have, often unknowingly, undergone considerable loss of renal function. Additionally, the symptoms of CKD vary from patient to patient. For these reasons, CKD can go undiagnosed for many months or years. It is also common for patients' CKD cases to go undiagnosed until they suffer a complication and pay a visit to their physicians.

If kidney disease is present, creatinine levels in the blood will be higher than normal as a result of the slowed filtration of creatinine, as well as other waste products, from the blood. Blood and urinalysis tests are available to check for creatinine levels as part of the diagnostic testing for kidney disease.

Kidney disease and its symptoms are manageable with prescribed medications, dieting, kidney transplants, dialysis and therapies. Talk to your doctor to discuss your symptoms and ask about which medical routes are best suited for your CKD case. Sticking to your treatment regimen boosts your chances of living a healthier life.