Chronic Kidney Disease

and Edema

One of the most common symptoms associated with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is edema. It can create discomforts and cause workload to kidneys. Therefore, it is essential to understand how edema occurs in CKD. It is mainly due to the following causes.

Healthy kidneys can filter extra fluid and wastes from body and keep the balance of electrolyte levels in body. However, in CKD, as the malfunctioned kidneys are not able to work adequately, extra fluid and sodium in the circulation may cause edema. Nephrotic-related swelling makes tissue puffy, soft, and impressionable to the touch. Edema is most common in the legs and feet, especially after standing all day. It can cause feelings of tightness in the extremities and may affect mobility. In later stages, swelling may occur in the abdomen (ascites), hands, and around the eyes in the morning (called periorbital edema). As kidney damage progresses, it will may affect every body part. In serious case, pulmonary edema may occur which can threaten the patients’ life.