A serene illustration depicting a person with chronic kidney disease finding peace and support.

Navigating the Shadows of Kidney Disease: Unveiling Symptoms and Finding Relief

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A comprehensive guide to understanding the prevalence of symptoms in advanced chronic kidney disease and how to manage them."

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can significantly impact a person's life, especially as it progresses to an advanced stage. The symptoms associated with advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) are often complex and varied, affecting everything from physical comfort to emotional well-being. Understanding these symptoms is the first step towards effective management and improved quality of life. This article aims to shed light on the prevalence of various symptoms in ACKD and provide guidance on how to navigate these challenges.

The study we'll be referencing, 'Prevalence of symptoms in advanced chronic kidney disease,' published in Nefrologia, offers valuable insights into the experiences of individuals with ACKD. The research focused on patients with CKD stages 4 and 5, both those undergoing dialysis and those not yet on dialysis. By examining the prevalence and intensity of symptoms, the study offers a clearer understanding of the challenges faced by those with ACKD.

This article is designed to be a supportive resource, providing accessible information about ACKD symptoms and management. We aim to empower you with knowledge, offering practical advice and a compassionate perspective. If you or a loved one is navigating ACKD, know that you're not alone, and there are resources available to help improve your quality of life.

Unmasking the Common Symptoms: A Closer Look at ACKD's Challenges

A serene illustration depicting a person with chronic kidney disease finding peace and support.

The study highlights several prevalent symptoms in ACKD patients, emphasizing the wide-ranging impact of the disease. These symptoms affect both physical and emotional well-being, underscoring the need for comprehensive care. By understanding these common symptoms, healthcare providers and patients can work together to develop effective management strategies.

Here's a breakdown of the most frequently reported symptoms in the study:

Weakness: This was the most common symptom, with many patients reporting persistent fatigue and reduced energy levels.
Pain: Many individuals experienced pain, which could be related to the underlying kidney disease, dialysis, or other co-existing conditions.
Depression: The emotional toll of living with ACKD is significant, with many patients experiencing symptoms of depression.
Difficulty Sleeping: Sleep disturbances, including insomnia and restless legs syndrome, were common, further impacting quality of life.
Other Notable Symptoms: The study also identified other symptoms, such as lack of appetite, drowsiness, skin changes, limited mobility, and gastrointestinal issues.

The study also compared the prevalence of symptoms between patients on dialysis and those not yet on dialysis. Significant differences were found in the prevalence of weakness, limited mobility, drowsiness, constipation, and restless legs. The differences in symptoms highlight the different challenges faced by individuals at various stages of ACKD and the importance of tailored care.

Empowerment Through Knowledge and Support

Understanding the symptoms of ACKD is the first step toward effective management and improved quality of life. This article aims to provide a clear and compassionate overview of the challenges faced by those with ACKD, empowering individuals to take an active role in their care. Remember that you are not alone. By working closely with healthcare professionals, adopting healthy lifestyle choices, and seeking support from loved ones and support groups, it's possible to navigate the complexities of ACKD and live a fulfilling life.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.nefroe.2018.07.004, Alternate LINK

Title: Prevalence Of Symptoms In Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease

Subject: Nephrology

Journal: Nefrología (English Edition)

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Daniel Gutiérrez Sánchez, Juan P. Leiva-Santos, María José Macías López, Antonio I. Cuesta-Vargas

Published: 2018-09-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are the most common symptoms experienced by individuals with advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD)?

The most frequently reported symptoms in advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) include weakness, pain, depression, and difficulty sleeping. Other notable symptoms include lack of appetite, drowsiness, skin changes, limited mobility, and gastrointestinal issues. These symptoms significantly impact both physical and emotional well-being.

How does the prevalence of symptoms differ between ACKD patients undergoing dialysis and those who are not?

The prevalence of certain symptoms varies between advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) patients on dialysis and those not yet on dialysis. Significant differences were found in the prevalence of weakness, limited mobility, drowsiness, constipation, and restless legs. These differences highlight the importance of tailoring care based on the stage of ACKD and treatment modality.

What does the Nefrologia study 'Prevalence of symptoms in advanced chronic kidney disease' reveal about the challenges faced by individuals with ACKD?

The *Nefrologia* study 'Prevalence of symptoms in advanced chronic kidney disease' provides valuable insights into the experiences of individuals with ACKD by examining the prevalence and intensity of various symptoms. The research focuses on patients with CKD stages 4 and 5, both those undergoing dialysis and those not yet on dialysis, offering a clearer understanding of the challenges faced by those with ACKD and highlighting the need for comprehensive and tailored care strategies. It underscores that patients in different stages of ACKD (dialysis vs. non-dialysis) experience different sets of challenges.

Beyond addressing physical symptoms, what support is crucial for individuals dealing with advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD)?

Beyond managing the physical symptoms of advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD), addressing the emotional and psychological impact is crucial. Depression is a common symptom, highlighting the significant emotional toll of living with ACKD. Therefore, comprehensive care should include mental health support, counseling, and strategies to improve overall well-being. Support from loved ones, support groups, and healthcare professionals can empower individuals to actively participate in their care and improve their quality of life.

How can understanding the symptoms of advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) empower patients and improve their quality of life?

Understanding the symptoms of advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) is the first step toward effective management and improved quality of life. By recognizing the prevalent symptoms such as weakness, pain, depression, and sleep disturbances, individuals can take an active role in their care. Empowerment comes from knowledge and collaborative efforts with healthcare professionals to develop tailored management strategies, adopt healthy lifestyle choices, and seek support from loved ones and support groups. This approach enables individuals to navigate the complexities of ACKD and live a fulfilling life despite the challenges.