What are the common myths about CKD?

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Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is often misunderstood, leading to several myths that can impact how people manage their kidney health. Here are some common myths and the facts behind them:

1. Myth: You’ll Have Symptoms in the Early Stages
Fact: CKD is often called a “silent disease” because symptoms do not usually appear until the advanced stages. Most people with CKD are asymptomatic as their kidney function declines. Regular screening is vital, especially among those with diabetes, hypertension, or family history of kidney disease.

2. Myth: CKD Only Affects Older Adults
Fact: While CKD is more common in older adults, anyone of any age can develop it—especially those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune diseases like lupus. Even young adults and children can get kidney disease due to genetic disorders or infections.

3. Myth: CKD Is Always Caused by Overuse of Painkillers
Fact: While long-term use of NSAIDs (like ibuprofen, naproxen) can harm the kidneys, diabetes and high blood pressure are responsible for most CKD. Autoimmune disorders, infections, and inherited disorders are other reasons.

4. Myth: If You Have CKD, You Will Need Dialysis
Fact: Not all patients with CKD end up with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and requiring dialysis or a transplant. Early diagnosis and proper treatment prevent many from reaching the point where they must get dialysis.

5. Myth: High-Protein Diet Leads to CKD
Fact: Overconsumption of protein is not the cause of CKD in normal individuals. Excessive protein consumption puts additional workload on the kidneys and worsens the condition in patients who are already suffering from kidney disease. Patients with CKD need to follow a doctor-prescribed diet that ensures proper balance of protein intake.

6. Myth: Drinking More Water Can Cure CKD
Fact: Staying hydrated is important, but excessive water will not treat CKD. Fluid restriction is sometimes required in some cases for people with CKD to prevent swelling and complications. Treatment focuses on managing underlying diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.

7. Myth: You Can’t Eat Any Salt or Potassium
Fact: While patients with CKD may need to limit sodium and potassium intake, this is disease stage- and individual blood level-dependent. Patients with CKD can continue to eat small amounts of foods that contain potassium like bananas or oranges under medical guidance.

8. Myth: CKD Patients Should Avoid Exercise
Fact: Exercise is good for CKD patients. It manages blood pressure, diabetes, and weight, all of which affect kidney health. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and yoga can enhance overall health without stressing the kidneys.

9. Myth: Kidney Disease Isn’t Life-Threatening
Fact: CKD puts one at risk of heart disease, stroke, and other complications. It’s necessary to control it actively with medication, diet, and lifestyle modification to minimize long-term risks.

10. Myth: Nothing Can Be Done to Prevent CKD
Reality: The majority of CKD risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, are modifiable by lifestyle changes and regular follow-up. Early detection and treatment can slow the progression of the disease and prevent complications.

Would you like to know more about CKD prevention or management methods?
Pet ownership may positively affect Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) management through emotional support, physical exercise promotion, and stress alleviation. Nevertheless, it has some limitations, primarily for patients in the later stages of CKD. Here’s how pets may affect CKD management:

1. Emotional and Psychological Benefits
Less Stress and Anxiety:

CKD patients tend to be depressed and anxious about the diagnosis as well as the changes in lifestyle.
It is found by studies that interaction with pets lowers cortisol (stress) and elevates oxytocin (attachment hormone), supporting greater emotional health.

Overcoming Loneliness and Depression:

Disease can induce loneliness, yet animal companionship is reassuring and lowers feelings of loneliness.
Owner animals are correlated with better mental status and with strengthened resilience among patients with CKD.
2. Encouraging Physical Activity

Increased Movement

Dogs should be walked or a pet engaged in order to encourage light to moderate exercise, which is suitable for patients with CKD.
Regular movement helps with blood pressure, cardiovascular condition, and mobility.
Improved Routine and Encouragement:

Lassitude and inactivity can occur in CKD, but pets provide them with encouragement to exercise and adhere to routines.
Routine (exercise, feeding, grooming) can help the patients stay active and give them a sense of purpose.
3. Cardiovascular and Blood Pressure Advantages
Lower Heart Rate Variability and Blood Pressure:
Pet ownership is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but decreased blood pressure and cardiovascular risk are linked to it.
Studies indicated that dog ownership was related to decreased blood pressure and heart rate variability, and that is mostly indicative of cardiac and kidney well-being.
4. Dietary and Hygiene Considerations
Zoonotic Disease Risk:

CKD patients, especially those receiving immunosuppressive medications (post-transplant) or undergoing dialysis, are at greater risk of infection.
Proper hand washing, avoiding contact with pet feces, and refraining from scratches/bites is most important.
Pet Diet Management to Avoid Toxins:

CKD patients must exercise caution with raw diets for pets, which may be contaminated with bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli).
Pet feeding on a veterinarian-safe regimen minimizes health risks.
5. Sleep Disturbances and Fatigue Management
Sleep Disturbances
Fatigue is among the most important signs of CKD, and disturbance from pets while sleeping (e.g., barking at night, bed activity) may complicate energy.
Established sleeping routines and sleeping locations can be helpful.
6. Managing CKD Fatigue and Animal Care
Physical Limitations:
Severe CKD causes weakness and fatigue so that daily animal care becomes challenging.
Family members, pet sitters, or animal care equipment (e.g., automatic feeders, litter boxes) can help patients.
7. Dialysis and Post-Transplant Advantages
Companionship During Dialysis:

The presence of pets during home dialysis can comfort patients, creating relief from stress and the feeling that they are not alone.
Recovery from a Transplanted Kidney:

Pet ownership might help emotional healing, but transplanted individuals must be very clean to ensure that they do not get infected.
There are hospitals that caution against having new pets at all or reducing contact with pets whose medical history is not known.
Last Things
Pet ownership can be useful for managing CKD, enhancing mental well-being, exercise levels, and overall health. Nevertheless, hygiene, energy management, and medical precautions must be taken into consideration, particularly for those on dialysis or after transplant.

Do you want tips on pet care modifications for patients with CKD?