🩺 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Explained

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is long-term damage to the kidneys that slowly reduces how well they work. Learn causes, symptoms, stages, tests, and treatments in simple terms. 

What Is Chronic Kidney Disease? 

What Causes Chronic Kidney Disease? 

The most common causes of CKD are:

1. Diabetes

High blood sugar can slowly damage the tiny filters in the kidneys.

2. High Blood Pressure

High pressure in blood vessels can wear down kidney tissue over time.

3. Other common causes:

• Glomerulonephritis (kidney inflammation)
  
  

• Repeated kidney infections
  
  

• Polycystic kidney disease
  
  

• Long-term use of some medications
  
  

• Autoimmune diseases
  
  

• Blockages in the urinary tract
  
  

Many people have more than one cause at the same time.

What Are the Symptoms? 

Early CKD often has no symptoms at all.

As kidney function gets worse, people may notice:

• Feeling more tired than normal
  
  

• Swelling in feet, ankles, or hands
  
  

• Foamy urine (from protein in urine)
  
  

• Trouble concentrating
  
  

• Loss of appetite
  
  

• Nausea
  
  

• Muscle cramps
  
  

• Itchy skin
  
  

• Needing to urinate more or less than usual
  
  

Because symptoms appear late, CKD is often found through routine blood and urine tests.

The 5 Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease 

CKD is divided into stages based on your eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate).

eGFR Range

Stage 1

90 or higher

Mild damage, kidneys still work well

Stage 2

60–89

Slight loss of function

Stage 3

30–59

Moderate loss of function

Stage 4

15–29

Severe loss of function

Stage 5

Less than 15

Kidney failure

Stage 5 is also called end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

How Is CKD Diagnosed? 

Doctors use several tests to check for chronic kidney disease:

Blood Tests

• Creatinine
  
  

• eGFR
  
  

• BUN
  
  

• Electrolytes
  
  

Urine Tests

• Protein in urine
  
  

• Microalbumin test
  
  

• Urine protein-to-creatinine ratio
  
  

Imaging

• Kidney ultrasound
  
  

• CT scan (if needed)
  
  

Sometimes:

• Kidney biopsy
  
  

CKD is usually diagnosed when abnormal results are seen for at least 3 months.

Can Chronic Kidney Disease Be Cured? 

In most cases:

❗ CKD cannot be reversed.

But it can often be:

• Slowed down
  
  

• Stabilized
  
  

• Managed very well
  
  

Early detection makes a huge difference.

How Is CKD Treated? 

Treatment depends on the stage and cause, but usually includes:

1. Controlling Blood Pressure

• Medications
  
  

• Low-salt diet
  
  

• Regular checkups
  
  

2. Controlling Blood Sugar (if diabetic)

3. Medications to Protect the Kidneys

4. Lifestyle Changes

• Healthy diet
  
  

• Staying hydrated
  
  

• Avoiding smoking
  
  

• Limiting alcohol
  
  

• Regular exercise
  
  

5. Avoiding Kidney-Harming Medicines

Such as:

• Too much ibuprofen
  
  

• Certain contrast dyes
  
  

• Some supplements

What Happens if CKD Gets Worse? 

When Should You See a Doctor? 

Contact your doctor if you have:

• Ongoing swelling
  
  

• Persistent fatigue
  
  

• Foamy urine
  
  

• Blood in urine
  
  

• A history of diabetes or high blood pressure
  
  

Or if routine tests show:

• Low eGFR
  
  

• High creatinine
  
  

• Protein in urine

The Most Important Takeaway 

Chronic kidney disease is serious – but early detection and good care can slow it down for many years.

Regular testing is the best way to protect your kidneys.

Related Pages

You may also find these helpful:

• What Is eGFR?
  
  

• Creatinine Blood Test Explained
  
  

• Protein in Urine Explained
  
  

• Microalbumin Test