Chronic Kidney Disease

What Causes CKD?

Common causes include :²

• Diabetes (high blood sugar damages kidney blood vessels).
• High blood pressure (strains kidney filters).
• Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of kidney filters).
• Polycystic kidney disease (inherited condition with fluid-filled cysts in kidneys).
• Long-term use of certain medications (e.g., NSAIDs like ibuprofen).

Symptoms of CKD

Early CKD often has no symptoms. As it progresses, you may notice :³

• Swelling in ankles, feet, or hands (edema).
• Fatigue or trouble concentrating.
• Frequent urination, especially at night.
• Foamy or bloody urine.
• Dry, itchy skin.
• Nausea or loss of appetite.

Stages of CKD

CKD is divided into 5 stages based on how well your kidneys filter waste (measured by eGFR) :⁴

• 1. Stage 1: Kidney damage with normal function (eGFR ≥90).
• 2. Stage 2: Mild loss of function (eGFR 60–89).
• 3. Stage 3a/3b Moderate to severe loss (eGFR 30–59).
• 4. Stage 4: Severe loss (eGFR 15–29).
• 5. Stage 5: Kidney failure (eGFR <15, requiring dialysis or transplant).

How is CKD Diagnosed?

Doctors use :⁵

• 1. Blood tests (e.g., creatinine levels to calculate eGFR).
• 2. Urine tests (check for protein or blood).
• 3. Imaging (ultrasound or CT scan to check kidney structure).
• 4. Biopsy (in rare cases, to examine kidney tissue).

Treatment and Management

While CKD has no cure, these steps can slow progression and improve quality of life : ⁶

• 1. Medications:
  • Blood pressure drugs (e.g., ACE inhibitors or ARBs).
  • Diabetes management (e.g., insulin or metformin).
  • Phosphate binders (to control mineral imbalances).
• 2. Lifestyle Changes:
  • Eat a kidney-friendly diet (low salt, limited protein).
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
  • Exercise regularly.
• 3. Dialysis or Transplant: Needed for Stage 5 CKD.

How to Protect Your Kidneys

• Control blood sugar and blood pressure.
• Stay hydrated (drink water unless your doctor advises otherwise).
• Avoid over-the-counter painkillers (e.g., ibuprofen).
• Get regular check-ups if you have diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease . ⁷

When to See a Doctor

Consult a nephrologist (kidney specialist) if you:

• Have diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Notice swelling, fatigue, or changes in urine.
• Have a family history of kidney disease.

Conclusion

CKD is a serious but manageable condition. Early detection and proper care can help you live a full, healthy life. Work closely with your healthcare team to protect your kidney health.

References

1. 1. National Kidney Foundation. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Symptoms and causes. 2023.
2. 2. Webster AC, Nagler EV, Morton RL, et al. Chronic kidney disease. Lancet. 2017;389(10075):1238-52.
3. 3. Levin A, Stevens PE. Summary of KDIGO 2012 CKD guidelines: behind the scenes, need for guidance, and a framework for moving forward. Kidney Int. 2014;85(1):49-61.
4. 4. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO). KDIGO 2012 clinical practice guideline for the evaluation and management of chronic kidney disease. Kidney Int Suppl. 2013;3(1):1-150.
5. 5. Inker LA, Astor BC, Fox CH, et al. KDOQI US commentary on the 2012 KDIGO clinical practice guideline for the evaluation and management of CKD. Am J Kidney Dis. 2014;63(5):713-35.
6. 6. Jha V, Garcia-Garcia G, Iseki K, et al. Chronic kidney disease: global dimension and perspectives. Lancet. 2013;382(9888):260-72.
7. 7. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Preventing chronic kidney disease. 2023.