What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys slowly lose their ability to filter waste and balance fluids in the body. Unlike sudden kidney problems, CKD develops over months or years and often shows no symptoms in its early stages.

Your kidneys play a critical role in removing waste products, controlling blood pressure, and keeping your body’s chemical balance in check. When they are damaged over time—due to conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or repeated infections—they cannot perform these jobs as well as they should.

CKD is usually diagnosed through routine blood and urine tests. One key marker is the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which measures how well your kidneys are filtering blood. A normal eGFR is above 90. A lower eGFR may indicate reduced kidney function. Another test checks for protein in the urine, which may suggest early kidney damage.

CKD is divided into five stages, ranging from mild (stage 1) to severe (stage 5). In stage 5, the kidneys can no longer function properly and kidney failure may occur, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Early stages of CKD may not cause any symptoms. As it progresses, signs may include fatigue, swelling in the legs or ankles, high blood pressure, changes in urination, or trouble concentrating. Because symptoms appear late, regular testing is important for those at risk.

Although CKD cannot always be reversed, it can often be slowed down with the right care. This includes managing blood pressure, controlling blood sugar, eating a kidney-friendly diet, and avoiding medications that can harm the kidneys.

Understanding chronic kidney disease is the first step toward protecting your long-term kidney health. With early detection and the right treatment plan, many people with CKD live full and active lives.

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