Nearly 40 million Americans have chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to National Institutes of Health data, and of those, between 10%–20% also have anemia related to their CKD. Still, many people with CKD don’t know the link between these two conditions, or the symptoms anemia can cause, leaving them at risk of complications.
If you have CKD, understanding this link is essential for recognizing early warning signs and getting the care you need to prevent more serious problems. Here, the team at Houston Kidney Specialists Center offers a primer on CKD and anemia, so you can play a more informed, proactive role in your health.
Anemia happens when your supply of red blood cells is abnormally low. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen from your lungs to every other part of your body, helping cells function normally while maintaining a steady supply of energy.
Your kidneys produce erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that plays an essential role in this process. EPO sends signals that “tell” your body to produce red blood cells. If your kidneys are compromised, there’s a good chance they won’t produce enough EPO to trigger adequate red blood cell production, in turn leading to anemia.
While the decline in EPO production is a major driver for anemia in kidney disease, it’s not the only factor. People with CKD often have nutritional problems that interfere with nutrient absorption, another factor that can lead to anemia, along with other problems, like weak bones.
If you have kidney problems, regular evaluations play an important role in managing your condition and in diagnosing anemia. That said, recognizing its symptoms is important, too.
For most people, the most common and noticeable symptom is fatigue — relentless fatigue that persists even when you’re getting adequate sleep. That’s because your body relies on a steady and adequate oxygen supply to support normal energy levels, so when anemia lowers that supply, you’re far more likely to feel tired.
Other potential symptoms include:
These symptoms can be subtle, especially in the early stages of kidney disease. Learning to recognize these symptoms is important for early intervention.
If you’re experiencing fatigue, especially alongside any other symptoms, having a kidney evaluation is the first critical step in staying healthy. During your exam, our team reviews your symptoms, assesses kidney function, and performs a simple blood test to evaluate your red blood cell count (RBC) and your iron levels, another indicator associated with anemia.
Your exam can help determine if your symptoms are associated with your kidneys or if another underlying issue might be to blame. And of course, it plays a key role in guiding your treatment.
Depending on the severity of anemia, your kidney health and function, and overall wellness indicators, you might benefit from iron supplements to improve oxygen delivery. In other cases, your treatment may include medications to replace EPO or stimulate its production. Lifestyle changes, including diet, can also play a role.
Every patient with kidney problems benefits from ongoing monitoring to track symptom changes, assess kidney function, measure iron and RBC levels, adjust medications, and support overall quality of life.
Fatigue is a common problem for millions of Americans, including those without kidney disease. As a result, it's also easy to ignore or attribute it to other causes, such as aging or the stresses of daily life.
If you have kidney disease, though, fatigue should never be ignored. Early intervention offers the best opportunity to feel better while also slowing the progression of kidney-related complications.
To learn more about CKD and anemia or to have your kidney health evaluated, request an appointment online or over the phone at our practice locations in Cypress and Houston, Texas, today.
