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Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Chronic kidney disease is a gradual, long-term loss of kidney function over months or years. It is often silent early on and is commonly caused by diabetes and high blood pressure.
Causes & risk factors
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Glomerulonephritis (kidney filter inflammation)
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Long-term use of certain painkillers
- Repeated kidney infections or blockage
Common symptoms
- Leg and ankle swelling
- Tiredness
- Passing urine more at night
- Itchy skin
- Nausea and poor appetite
- Breathlessness
Tests & diagnosis
- Creatinine
- Kidney function (RFT)
- eGFR
- Urine albumin/protein
- Electrolytes
- Kidney ultrasound
Treatment & management
- Tight control of blood pressure and blood sugar
- Kidney-protective blood pressure medicines where suitable
- A kidney-friendly diet (salt, protein and potassium as advised)
- Avoiding harmful painkillers and contrast dyes when possible
- Dialysis or transplant in advanced disease
When to see a doctor urgently
- A rising creatinine or falling eGFR on tests
- Swelling with reduced urine output
- Persistent tiredness, nausea or breathlessness
- Blood or heavy protein in the urine
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about chronic kidney disease (ckd). It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Can chronic kidney disease be cured?
Early stages cannot be reversed but can often be slowed with good blood pressure and sugar control and diet. Advanced disease may need dialysis or a transplant.
What are the stages of CKD?
CKD is graded 1 to 5 by eGFR, with stage 5 being kidney failure. Knowing the stage guides treatment and how closely you are monitored.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.