Chronic Kidney Disease in Young Adults : Causes & Care

Monday, 11 November, 2024

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often considered to be a health condition that primarily affects elderly individuals. However, due to factors including poor lifestyle choices, genetic conditions, and underlying diseases like diabetes or hypertension, CKD has become more and more common in younger individuals. However let's explore the causes of CKD in young adults, shedding light on symptoms, and treatment options, and offering guidance on prevention and long-term care strategies. 

What is Chronic Kidney Disease in Young Adults?

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is characterised by progressive loss of kidney function wherein kidneys gradually lose their capacity to filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood over a period of 3 months or more. Based on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), CKD is classified into 5 stages (CKD stage 1 to Stage 5).

Kidney damage is minimal and often asymptomatic at stage 1 of chronic kidney disease, but as the disease progresses, the chronic kidney disease stages symptoms become more pronounced. By the time the disease reaches stage 5, also known as End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), the kidneys lose their ability to perform vital functions such as filtering wastes and toxins from the body, maintaining fluid balance and blood pressure, producing hemoglobin, and preserving bone health. At this point, renal replacement therapy in the form of dialysis or a kidney transplant becomes necessary for survival.

While CKD can progress slowly, its impacts are significant. Because they filter waste, balance electrolytes, regulate blood pressure and fluid levels and maintains bone health and hemoglobin. Any impairment in kidney function will lead to significantly reduced quality of life and general well being. It also adds to increased mortality or morbidity. Impaired kidney function can cause fluid retention, high blood pressure, anemia, increased risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

What Causes Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Young Adults?

CKD in younger adults is often driven by a combination of lifestyle, genetic predisposition, and underlying medical conditions. Some key causes include:

Diabetes

There is a high connection between CKD and diabetes, both types 1 and 2. Diabetic nephropathy is an effect of uncontrolled high blood sugar damaging the kidneys' blood vessels which decreases the ability to function.

Hypertension(High Blood Pressure

Poorly managed hypertension is a major contributor to chronic kidney disease (CKD) across all age groups. Early-onset hypertension in younger adults may result in significant kidney damage if left untreated or undetected.

Obesity

Obesity increases the risk of developing diabetes and hypertension, both of which are significant contributors to CKD. Excess body weight can lead to a condition known as obesity-related kidney disease, where the kidneys have to work harder to filter waste and excess fluid, resulting in potential damage over time.

Smoking

Smoking can worsen kidney function and is associated with a higher risk of CKD. It can damage blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the kidneys and impairing their function. Additionally, smoking is linked to the progression of kidney disease in individuals already diagnosed with CKD.

Autoimmune Disorders

Diseases such as IgA nephropathy and lupus may trigger kidney inflammation, which in turn can cause chronic kidney disease (CKD). When kidney tissue is inappropriately attacked by the immune system, it results in inflammation and damage to lupus.

Genetics and Hereditary Conditions

Family history plays a major role in diseases like Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Children of PKD individuals are more likely to get the condition if one or both parents have it. Moreover, hereditary kidney diseases include congenital nephrotic syndrome or Alport syndrome.

Drug Abuse and Toxic Substances

If not properly managed, long-term use of medications for medications for chronic kidney disease, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may result in kidney damage. Substance misuse (e.g. heroin or cocaine) can also have adverse impacts on the kidneys, which can result in acute damage to the kidneys, or CKD.

Infections

CKD may occur as a result of renal scarring brought on by recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) or untreated kidney infections (such as pyelonephritis).