According to the latest estimates and reports, over 28 million people in the United States have chronic kidney disease (CKD), and more than 500,000 of them are on dialysis.

People with CKD often develop a chronic inflammatory condition, which can be caused by several factors such as hemodialysis, catheter placement, infections, and ischemia (a disorder where the blood flow is restricted). The severity of the inflammatory condition increases as CKD progresses.

Patients could have “flu-like” symptoms, most commonly fatigue. Chronic inflammation has been associated with a poorer quality of life and can cause an increase in dialysis-related complications.

Consult your physician if you experience any of the following: