Chronic kidney disease, often called CKD, is a condition where the kidneys slowly lose their ability to work over time. The kidneys play an important role in filtering waste and extra fluids from the blood, helping control blood pressure, and keeping important minerals balanced. When they aren’t working properly, waste can build up in the body and lead to serious health problems.
CKD usually develops over many years and may not show noticeable symptoms at first. That’s why it’s often called a “silent” condition. But even though it can’t be cured, early detection and treatment can help slow its progress and improve quality of life.
What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?
CKD happens when the kidneys become damaged and can’t filter blood as well as they should. This damage often occurs gradually, and as the disease progresses, more and more kidney function is lost. Eventually, CKD can lead to kidney failure, also known as end-stage kidney disease, where dialysis or a kidney transplant is needed to survive.
The condition is measured in stages, from stage 1 (mild) to stage 5 (kidney failure). Many people with early-stage CKD don’t realize they have it because the kidneys can still do their job even when partly damaged.
Types of Chronic Kidney Disease
CKD itself is a single condition, but it can be caused by or occur alongside different health problems. These include:
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Diabetic kidney disease, caused by long-term high blood sugar levels
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Hypertensive kidney disease, caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure
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Polycystic kidney disease, a genetic disorder that leads to fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys
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Glomerulonephritis, which involves inflammation in the parts of the kidneys that filter blood
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Obstructive kidney disease, caused by blockages in the urinary tract
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Reflux nephropathy, often related to urinary tract infections or backflow of urine into the kidneys
Understanding the underlying cause helps doctors choose the right treatment and manage other conditions that may worsen kidney damage.
What Causes CKD?
CKD is usually caused by other chronic health problems that put stress on the kidneys over time. The two most common causes are diabetes and high blood pressure. When blood sugar or blood pressure is too high for too long, it can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys and reduce their ability to filter waste.
Other causes include inherited conditions, repeated kidney infections, prolonged use of certain medications (such as over-the-counter painkillers), and autoimmune diseases like lupus. Smoking, obesity, and a family history of kidney disease can also raise the risk.
In many cases, more than one factor is involved, and the damage happens slowly, often without symptoms until the condition is more advanced.
Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
CKD often doesn’t cause symptoms in the early stages. Many people only learn they have it through a blood or urine test. As the disease gets worse, symptoms may begin to appear, such as:
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Fatigue or feeling tired all the time
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Swelling in the feet, ankles, or hands
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Changes in urination, including more or less frequent urination, or foamy or bloody urine
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Trouble concentrating
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Shortness of breath
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Muscle cramps, especially at night
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Poor appetite or weight loss
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Itchy or dry skin
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Nausea or vomiting
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High blood pressure that’s hard to control
These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, which is why it’s important to get tested if you’re at risk.
How CKD Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing chronic kidney disease involves checking how well your kidneys are working. Doctors use a combination of blood and urine tests to measure kidney function and detect signs of damage.
One of the main tests is the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This blood test shows how well your kidneys are filtering waste. A normal eGFR is typically 90 or higher. An eGFR below 60 for three months or more may indicate CKD.
A urine albumin test checks for protein in your urine, which can be a sign that your kidneys are leaking protein due to damage. Other tests may include imaging of the kidneys or a kidney biopsy in some cases. Doctors also monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, since these can all affect kidney health.
Treatment Options
While there is no cure for CKD, treatments can help slow its progression, manage symptoms, and reduce complications. Treatment often focuses on the underlying cause and keeping your kidneys working as well as possible.
Common treatment options include:
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Lifestyle changes, such as eating a kidney-friendly diet low in salt and protein, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking
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Medications, to control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol
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Treatments for anemia or bone disease, which are common complications of CKD
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Dialysis, used in advanced stages to filter waste from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do so
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Kidney transplant, an option for people with kidney failure who are healthy enough for surgery
Following your doctor’s advice, taking medications as directed, and attending regular checkups are key parts of treatment. In early stages, these steps can often prevent the disease from getting worse.
Living With Chronic Kidney Disease
Living with CKD means paying closer attention to your health and making changes that support your kidneys. That might include planning meals carefully, limiting fluids or certain nutrients, and avoiding medications that can damage the kidneys.
It’s also important to keep other health problems under control. Managing diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can go a long way in protecting your kidneys. Getting support from a kidney care team, a dietitian, or a support group can make it easier to stay on track.
Although CKD is a serious condition, many people live full and active lives by staying informed, following treatment plans, and working closely with their healthcare providers.
