Chronic Kidney Disease

Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Key Points

Kidneys do not work as well as they should
A long-term condition
Often linked to aging
Symptoms usually appear in later stages
No cure, but treatment helps manage the condition

Overview

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term health condition where your kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste from your blood. It's a common condition that can affect anyone, though it's often associated with getting older and is more prevalent in certain ethnic groups. While CKD can worsen over time and potentially lead to kidney failure, this is uncommon. Many people with CKD live long lives managing their condition. However, even mild CKD increases the risk of other serious health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, which includes heart attacks and strokes.

Signs and Symptoms

Tiredness
Swollen ankles, feet, or hands
Shortness of breath
Feeling sick
Blood in urine

Things That Increase the Risk

High blood pressure
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Kidney infections
Glomerulonephritis (kidney inflammation)
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (inherited)
Blockages in urine flow (e.g., kidney stones, enlarged prostate)
Long-term use of certain medicines (e.g., lithium, NSAIDs)

Diagnosis

Blood tests to check kidney function
Urine tests to detect kidney problems
Regular screening for high-risk individuals
Staging of kidney disease based on test results

Treatment & Management

Lifestyle changes for overall health
Medicines to control high blood pressure
Medicines to manage high cholesterol
Medication to help kidneys function longer
Dialysis for advanced kidney disease
Kidney transplant for advanced kidney disease
Regular medical check-ups

Prevention

Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Control high blood pressure effectively
Manage diabetes well
Lower high cholesterol levels
Avoid long-term use of certain medications (e.g., NSAIDs, lithium)

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Chronic Kidney Disease: