Chronic kidney disease is a condition that worsens over the course of months or years as a person’s kidneys lose their ability to function properly.
People with chronic kidney disease may not have noticeable symptoms until kidney function has greatly declined, according to an article by Medline Plus. Symptoms of advanced kidney damage may include:
- Bone pain
- Changes in skin color
- Bad breath
- Blood in the stoo
- Difficulty concentrating
- Drowsiness and/or sleep problems
- Easy bruising
- Excessive thirst
- Fluid retention and swelling of extremities
- Frequent hiccups
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle twitching and/or muscle cramps
- Sexual function problems
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting
Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) need to undergo dialysis or a kidney transplant, as their kidneys are no longer able to remove enough waste and excess fluid from the body.
An increased risk of chronic kidney disease has been associated with a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which reduce the production of acid made by glands in the stomach. These drugs are typically taken to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic or stomach ulcers, and damage to the lower esophagus caused by acid reflux.
If you took a PPI drug over an extended period of time and were diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, you may have questions about who is legally responsible and if there is possible compensation for medical bills, loss of work and other financial and personal losses. We can investigate your situation and get answers to your legal questions.
