Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is gradual loss of kidney function. Early stages may cause no symptoms, so blood and urine testing are important.
About chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is gradual loss of kidney function. Early stages may cause no symptoms, so blood and urine testing are important.
What can cause it?
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of CKD; immune disease, inherited disorders, obstruction, and repeated kidney injury also contribute.
Early CKD often has no symptoms.
What a patient may notice
Symptoms vary from person to person. Possible signs may include:
- Swelling in the legs or around the eyes
- Fatigue, nausea, itching, or reduced appetite
- Changes in urination or shortness of breath
How clinicians find the cause
Blood creatinine is used to estimate filtration rate, and urine testing measures protein or albumin. Blood pressure, imaging, and additional blood or urine tests help identify cause and stage.
Treatment and next steps
- 1
Treatment controls the cause and protects remaining function through blood-pressure and diabetes management, kidney-protective medicine when appropriate, and avoidance of harmful exposures.
- 2
Advanced CKD may require anemia, bone, electrolyte, fluid, dialysis, or transplant planning.
- 3
Medication doses often need kidney adjustment.
Supporting recovery
- Take medicines exactly as prescribed and ask before using NSAIDs, supplements, or contrast studies.
- Follow individualized sodium, fluid, protein, and potassium guidance rather than a generic kidney diet.
What to expect
Chronic kidney disease often progresses slowly over months or years, and early stages may cause no symptoms. Controlling blood pressure, diabetes, and other causes can slow further loss of function. Advanced kidney failure may eventually require dialysis or a kidney transplant, so regular laboratory and specialist follow-up is essential.
Possible complications
- Fluid buildup, difficult-to-control blood pressure, heart disease, or shortness of breath
- Anemia, weak bones, poor nutrition, itching, or dangerous electrolyte and acid-base changes
- End-stage kidney disease requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation
When to Contact a Medical Professional
A healthcare professional can confirm the cause, discuss appropriate testing, and create a treatment or prevention plan for you.
Call 911 for severe trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, seizure, fainting, or a dangerous change in alertness.Get emergency help for severe trouble breathing, new chest pressure, fainting, seizure, sudden weakness on one side, uncontrolled bleeding, blue or gray lips, or a person who is difficult to wake.
Ways to lower risk
- Control diabetes and blood pressure, avoid tobacco, and obtain recommended kidney screening.
- Treat urinary obstruction and infections promptly.
Trusted health information
This CHS patient-education page uses original wording and links to MedlinePlus for additional information.