ESRD is an acronym for End-Stage Renal Disease. It refers to the final stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) where the kidneys have, for the most part, lost their ability to function adequately. ESRD is a life-threatening condition that requires medical intervention and often leads to the need for either dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.
The term "end-stage" implies that the kidneys have reached a point where their functioning is severely compromised, with less than 10-15% kidney function remaining. When this happens, the body is unable to eliminate waste products, regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, and produce hormones necessary for health.
Symptoms of ESRD may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, muscle cramps, itchiness, swelling of hands and feet, shortness of breath, and high blood pressure. It can affect various organ systems and lead to complications such as cardiovascular disease, anemia, bone disease, and nerve damage.
Treatment options for ESRD include dialysis and kidney transplantation. Dialysis is a process that artificially filters waste products and excess fluid from the blood. Kidney transplantation involves surgically replacing the failed kidney with a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor. Both treatments aim to provide patients with better quality of life and increased survival rates.
ESRD is a serious condition that requires ongoing medical care and management, often involving a team of healthcare professionals, including nephrologists, dialysis nurses, dietitians, and social workers. Regular monitoring, adherence to treatment plans, and making necessary lifestyle modifications are crucial in managing ESRD.
