Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is sometimes called a silent condition. Your kidneys can lose a large part of their function before you feel anything unusual. That makes risk awareness and testing far more important than waiting for symptoms.
What the kidneys do
Your kidneys filter waste and extra fluid from your blood, balance minerals like sodium and potassium, help control blood pressure and support red blood cell production. CKD means these functions have been reduced for three months or longer.
Who is at higher risk
The two biggest causes are diabetes and high blood pressure. Others include heart disease, a family history of kidney failure, being over 60, long-term use of certain painkillers such as NSAIDs, recurrent kidney infections, kidney stones and obesity. Smoking speeds up the damage.
If you have any of these, ask for kidney testing at least once a year.
Early signs that sometimes appear
Many people have no symptoms in the early stages. When they do appear, they are usually vague:
- Feeling more tired or low on energy
- Trouble concentrating
- Poor appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Dry, itchy skin
- Muscle cramps at night
- Swollen ankles or puffy eyes, especially in the morning
- Needing to urinate more often, particularly at night
- Foamy urine, which can suggest protein leakage
Later signs of advanced disease
As kidney function falls significantly, symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, a metallic taste, shortness of breath, persistent itching, confusion, and very little urine. These need prompt medical attention.
How CKD is diagnosed
Two simple tests do most of the work:
- eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate): a blood test that estimates how well the kidneys filter. A result below 60 for three months suggests CKD.
- Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR): detects protein in the urine, often the earliest sign of damage.
Blood pressure is checked too, and imaging such as an ultrasound may be ordered.
Protecting your kidneys
Control blood pressure. For most people with CKD, a target near 130/80 mmHg or lower is suggested. Some blood pressure medicines, such as ACE inhibitors and ARBs, protect the kidneys as well.
Manage blood sugar. Keeping A1C in your personal target range slows kidney damage in diabetes.
Be careful with painkillers. Regular ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac can harm kidneys. Ask your doctor about safer options.
Eat less salt. Aim for under 2,300 mg of sodium a day.
Stay hydrated sensibly. Drink enough water to keep urine pale yellow, unless your doctor has restricted fluids.
Don’t smoke, and stay active. Both help the heart and kidneys.
Check herbal products. Some supplements are harmful to kidneys, so tell your doctor everything you take.
People with advanced CKD may need to limit protein, potassium and phosphorus, but the plan should come from a doctor or renal dietitian, not general advice.
When to see a doctor
Book a test if you have risk factors, even with no symptoms. Seek urgent care for sudden swelling, very little urine, shortness of breath, chest pain or confusion.
Frequently asked questions
Can chronic kidney disease be cured?
CKD usually can’t be reversed, but treatment can slow it dramatically, and many people never reach kidney failure.
Is blood in the urine always CKD?
No. It can be caused by infection or stones, but it should always be checked.
How often should kidneys be tested if I have diabetes?
At least once a year, with both eGFR and a urine albumin test.
Cura Editorial Team
Contributor at Cura Health Journal.