Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term condition in which the kidneys become damaged or do not function properly. Because the kidneys help filter waste and extra fluid from the blood, reduced kidney function can affect many aspects of your health.
One of the challenges with CKD is that it can develop gradually and may cause few or no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Regular testing is therefore especially important for people who have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney disease.
Understanding the signs, risk factors, and importance of early evaluation can help you take steps to protect your kidney health.
Chronic Kidney Disease occurs when the kidneys have damage or structural problems that affect their ability to filter the blood properly. As kidney function declines, waste products and excess fluid can build up in the body.
CKD often develops slowly. In some people, it may remain unnoticed until the disease becomes more advanced. Early detection can give patients and healthcare providers an opportunity to manage contributing conditions and take steps to help slow further kidney damage.
There are several possible causes of CKD, but diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes in adults.
Persistently high blood sugar can damage the filtering structures of the kidneys over time. This can allow proteins that normally remain in the blood to pass into the urine and can gradually reduce kidney function.
High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels and filtering structures within the kidneys. Kidney damage can then make blood pressure more difficult to control, creating a cycle that can further affect kidney health.
Other conditions that may contribute to CKD include:
The underlying cause matters because identifying it can help healthcare professionals determine the most appropriate approach to managing kidney disease.
One of the most important things to understand about CKD is that early kidney disease often has no symptoms. Many people may not realize they have kidney disease until it has progressed. Blood and urine testing may be the only way to identify kidney problems early.
As CKD becomes more advanced, some people may experience:
These symptoms can have many possible causes and do not necessarily mean that someone has CKD. A healthcare professional can determine whether kidney testing or further evaluation is appropriate.
A nephrologist is a physician who specializes in kidney health and kidney-related conditions.
You may need to discuss nephrology care with your healthcare provider if you have:
A nephrologist can help evaluate the underlying cause of kidney problems, monitor kidney function, and develop an appropriate management plan when specialized care is needed.
If you have CKD or are at increased risk, working closely with your healthcare team can help protect your kidney health.
Important steps may include:
Manage Blood Pressure
Keeping blood pressure within the range recommended by your healthcare provider is an important part of kidney care.
Manage Diabetes
If you have diabetes, maintaining your blood glucose within your healthcare provider’s recommended range can help reduce the risk of kidney damage.
Take Medicines as Prescribed
Some medications can help manage conditions that contribute to kidney disease. Your healthcare provider may also need to adjust medications as kidney function changes.
Stay Physically Active
Regular physical activity can support overall health and help with management of conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Working toward a healthy weight can support overall health and help manage conditions associated with kidney disease.
Avoid Smoking
Stopping smoking can benefit your overall cardiovascular and kidney health.
Follow an Appropriate Eating Plan
People with CKD may have different nutritional needs depending on their kidney function and other health conditions. A healthcare professional or registered dietitian can help develop an eating plan appropriate for your situation.
Why Early Kidney Care Matters
CKD can progress over time, and advanced kidney disease may lead to kidney failure. However, identifying kidney disease earlier provides an opportunity to address contributing conditions and implement appropriate management strategies.
Regular monitoring can help your healthcare team track changes in kidney function and adjust your care when needed. Two important measures commonly followed are eGFR and urine albumin.
