Chronic kidney disease
kidney disease (CKD) is a type of long-term kidney disease, defined by the sustained presence of abnormal kidney function and/or abnormal kidney structure. To meet the criteria for CKD, the abnormalities must be present for at least three months. Early in the course of CKD, patients are usually , but can be diagnosed via . At later stages, the symptoms may include leg swelling, feeling tired, vomiting, loss of appetite, and confusion. can relate to of the kidneys and include high blood pressure, resistance, bone disease, and . Additionally CKD patients have markedly increased complications with increased risks of death and . CKD can lead to kidney failure requiring kidney or kidney .
Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.
Symptoms — what it feels like
- ·Early: None
- ·Later: Leg swelling, feeling tired, vomiting, foamy urine, loss of appetite, confusion
Causes — why it happens
- ·, heart failure, high blood pressure, , kidney disease
How it's found
- ·Blood tests, urine tests
Treatment
- ·Medications to manage blood pressure, blood sugar, and lower , replacement therapy, kidney
Complications
- ·Heart disease, high blood pressure,
The sections below are general education drawn from public guidelines (NHS, Mayo, CPIC, WHO, ICMR). They are not individually reviewed by a clinician and are not medical advice — always talk to a doctor about your own health.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have swelling in your legs, ankles, or around the eyes, foamy or blood-tinged urine, changes in how much you pass urine, ongoing tiredness, or itching. Early kidney disease often has no symptoms, so people with diabetes or high blood pressure should have regular checks.
Get urgent care for passing very little or no urine, severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, or severe swelling. These can mean the kidneys need immediate attention.
General guidance, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, see a doctor.
Questions to ask your doctor
- ?Which blood and urine tests show how my kidneys are doing?
- ?What is causing the kidney strain, and can it be slowed?
- ?How do my blood pressure and blood sugar affect my kidneys?
- ?Which medicines or painkillers should I avoid?
- ?What diet or fluid changes help me?
- ?How often should my kidney function be checked?
What to note before your visit
- ·any swelling and changes in urine
- ·your blood pressure and blood-sugar readings
- ·family history of kidney disease
- ·current medicines, including painkillers and supplements
Test yourself
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