What does ESKD mean in NURSING

End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) is when your kidneys are functioning at less than 15% of their normal capacity, meaning they can no longer filter waste products and fluids from your blood.

The most common causes of ESKD are diabetes and high blood pressure, which can damage the kidneys over time. Other causes include autoimmune diseases, kidney infections, and certain genetic conditions.

In the early stages of ESKD, you may not experience any symptoms. As the disease progresses, you may notice: fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, swelling in your legs or feet, shortness of breath, and high blood pressure.

ESKD is diagnosed through a blood test that measures your kidney function, known as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Other tests, such as a urine test and imaging studies, may also be used to confirm the diagnosis.

The main treatment options for ESKD are dialysis and kidney transplant. Dialysis is a procedure that uses a machine to filter waste products and fluids from your blood. Kidney transplant involves replacing your damaged kidneys with healthy ones from a donor.

Dialysis can be a lifesaving treatment, but it also has risks, including infection, blood clots, and electrolyte imbalances. The benefits of dialysis include removing waste products and fluids from your blood, controlling blood pressure, and improving your overall health.

Kidney transplant is a major surgery, and it carries risks, including infection, bleeding, and rejection of the new kidney. The benefits of kidney transplant include restoring kidney function, improving your overall health, and giving you a better quality of life.

If you have ESKD, there are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to manage your condition, including: controlling your blood sugar and blood pressure, eating a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, getting regular exercise, and taking your medications as prescribed.