Definition and key facts
What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term condition in which kidneys are damaged for at least three months, reducing their ability to filter blood, balance electrolytes, control blood pressure, keep bones healthy, and support red‑blood‑cell production. It raises risk for heart disease, stroke, anemia, bone disorders, and eventually kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant
Criteria: CKD is diagnosed when markers of kidney damage (e.g., albuminuria ≥ 30 mg/g, abnormal imaging, structural changes) or reduced eGFR (< 60 mL/min/1.73 m²) persist ≥ 3 months
Stages:
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Stage 1: eGFR ≥ 90 + kidney damage
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Stage 2: eGFR 60–89
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Stage 3a: eGFR 45–59
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Stage 3b: eGFR 30–44
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Stage 4: eGFR 15–29
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Stage 5: eGFR < 15 (kidney failure)
causes
The most common causes are:
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Diabetes mellitus (accounts for ~1 in 3 diabetic adults)
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High blood pressure (hypertension)—together cause ~2/3 of new kidney-failure cases
Other causes include:
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Autoimmune diseases (lupus, IgA nephropathy)
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Genetic disorders (polycystic kidney disease)
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Chronic glomerulonephritis or nephrotic syndrome
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Urinary tract issues (stones, recurrent infections)
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Long-term use of NSAIDs or certain medications
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Risk factors: age (increasing risk over 60), obesity, heart disease, family history, smoking, unhealthy diet, dehydration, repeated UTIs, and certain herbal or OTC supplements
Risk factors: age (increasing risk over 60), obesity, heart disease, family history, smoking, unhealthy diet, dehydration, repeated UTIs, and certain herbal or OTC supplements
Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
CKD is often silent in early stages; symptoms appear gradually as kidney function worsens. Most common key symptoms include:
Lack of Energy
Ongoing tiredness, weakness, and difficulty concentrating; often caused by anemia or toxin buildup in chronic kidney disease.
Urine
CKD can cause foamy urine, increased nighttime urination, or reduced urine output as kidney function declines.
Swelling
Fluid buildup from kidney damage may lead to noticeable swelling in the ankles, feet, wrists, or around the eyes.
Skin Problems
Chronic kidney disease can cause persistent dry or itchy skin, along with metallic or urine-like breath odor from toxin buildup.
External Pain
Kidney damage may trigger painful muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, and a reduced appetite or weight loss.
Sleep and Breathing
CKD-related fluid buildup in the lungs can cause shortness of breath, restless sleep, and frequent nighttime waking.
Advanced stages may bring: Persistent itching (pruritus), bone/joint pain, worsening anemia, high blood pressure, electrolyte imbalance, metabolic acidosis, cardiovascular complications
Lifestyle Management
Nutrition & Fluid
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Limit sodium (< 2300 mg/day), moderate protein, potassium, phosphorus
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Choose whole foods, control portion size, avoid high-sodium processed foods
Medication & Monitoring
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Control blood pressure (ACE inhibitors/ARBs), manage blood sugar in diabetics
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Treat anemia, mineral‑bone disorders, electrolyte imbalances
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Regular labs: eGFR, BUN, creatinine, electrolytes, uACR, hemoglobin, calcium, phosphorus
Avoid: smoking, excessive alcohol, nephrotoxic medications, high-dose supplements (vitamin C, D, herbal toxins, creatine)
Preventing CKD
Early Detection and Healthy Habits
CKD is often asymptomatic until advanced.
An estimated 9 in 10 adults with CKD are unaware they have it
Screening recommendations:
Annual eGFR and urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) tests for high‑risk groups: people with diabetes, hypertension, CVD, obesity, family history, or aged ≥60,
Healthy habits:
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Stay hydrated without overloading kidneys
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Maintain healthy weight, balanced diet, blood pressure, sugar levels
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Quit smoking; limit alcohol; avoid unnecessary medications/supplements
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Monitor kidney health regularly with a nephrologist if eGFR < 60 or uACR ≥ 30 mg/g
Early detection and proactive management can delay or prevent progression to kidney failure and improve longevity and quality of life; even extending life expectancy by decades if found early
Kidney Health FAQs
Explore common questions about kidney function and chronic kidney disease.
Is CKD reversible?
Kidney damage is usually not reversible. However, early-stage CKD progression can be slowed or stopped with lifestyle changes, medications, and disease control
What happens at each stage?
See stage breakdown above (section 1). Most are diagnosed at stage 3; stages 4–5 require more intensive care and planning (dialysis/transplant)
What lab tests are key?
eGFR (based on creatinine, age, sex), uACR, BUN/creatinine, electrolytes (potassium, sodium, bicarbonate), hemoglobin, calcium, phosphorus, albumin, PTH as stage progresses
When is dialysis or transplant needed?
At stage 5 (eGFR < 15) or if symptoms become life-threatening. Dialysis filters blood artificially; transplant offers a new functioning kidney. Discuss timing with a nephrologist
Can diet help?
Yes. A kidney-friendly diet tailored to your stage can reduce workload on kidneys and control electrolytes and blood pressure. Work with a renal dietitian for best results