Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
الفشل الكلوي المزمن
A gradual loss of kidney function over time, most often caused by diabetes and hypertension — making blood sugar and blood pressure control key to prevention. Early stages often have no symptoms, which is why regular kidney function testing is important for people with these risk factors.
This information is for general awareness only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Quick answer
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term, usually gradual loss of kidney function, defined by kidney damage or reduced filtering that lasts three months or more.
Early CKD often causes no symptoms. Later signs can include tiredness, swelling of the ankles or around the eyes, foamy urine, itching and nausea. Blood and urine tests are how it is found.
Treatment aims to slow the damage by controlling causes such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and to manage complications. Advanced disease may need dialysis or a kidney transplant. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease, ask about regular kidney screening.
Symptoms
Often none in the early stages
Many people learn they have CKD from a routine blood or urine test.
Tiredness and weakness
Can be related to a build-up of waste or to anaemia.
Swelling in the ankles, feet or around the eyes
Foamy urine
May reflect protein leaking into the urine.
Changes in urination
Going more often at night, or passing less urine.
Itchy, dry skin
Nausea and loss of appetite
Shortness of breath
From fluid build-up or anaemia.
Muscle cramps
Blood in the urine
Symptom guides
Causes and risk factors
Causes
- Diabetes — One of the most common causes — high blood sugar damages the kidneys' tiny filters over time.
- High blood pressure — Can damage the blood vessels inside the kidneys.
- Glomerulonephritis — Inflammation of the kidneys' filtering units.
- Inherited kidney diseases — Such as polycystic kidney disease.
- Long-term blockage or repeated infections — For example from stones or an enlarged prostate.
- Long-term use of certain medicines — Some painkillers and other drugs can harm the kidneys if used regularly.
Risk factors
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Family history of kidney disease
- Obesity and smoking
- Older age
- Previous acute kidney injury
How is it diagnosed?
CKD is diagnosed with simple blood and urine tests, repeated over time to show that the changes are lasting.
Blood test for kidney function
Creatinine is used to calculate the eGFR, an estimate of how well the kidneys filter blood.
Urine test for protein
The albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) detects protein leaking into the urine, an early sign of kidney damage.
Urinalysis
Checks for blood and other abnormalities in the urine.
Imaging
An ultrasound can look at kidney size and structure and look for stones or blockage.
Staging and further tests
eGFR and urine protein levels are used to stage the disease. A kidney biopsy is occasionally needed to find the cause.
Treatment
There is usually no cure for established CKD, but treatment can slow its progression and reduce complications. The plan depends on the cause and stage, and is set by your doctor.
Treat the underlying cause
Good control of blood sugar and blood pressure is central to protecting the kidneys.
Medicines as prescribed
Some blood-pressure and other medicines have a protective effect on the kidneys, and others treat complications such as anaemia or bone and mineral problems.
Healthy lifestyle
Not smoking, staying active, keeping a healthy weight and limiting salt. A dietitian may advise on protein, potassium or phosphate as kidney function falls.
Avoid kidney-harming medicines
Check with a doctor or pharmacist before using regular painkillers or supplements.
Kidney failure treatment
In advanced disease, treatment options include dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Diet and medicine needs vary with the stage of CKD and other conditions, so follow the advice of your kidney specialist rather than general guidance.
When should you see a doctor?
Arrange a medical assessment if
- New swelling of the legs, feet or face
- Foamy urine or blood in the urine
- Passing much less urine than usual, or a marked change in urination
- Ongoing tiredness, itching or loss of appetite
- You have diabetes or high blood pressure and have not had your kidneys checked
- You have CKD and are prescribed a new medicine
Seek urgent care if
- Severe shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Confusion or marked drowsiness
- Passing very little or no urine together with vomiting
- Severe muscle weakness or an irregular heartbeat
Prevention
Control diabetes and blood pressure
These are the most important ways to protect your kidneys.
Get checked if you are at risk
People with diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history should have regular blood and urine tests.
Stay active and keep a healthy weight
Don't smoke
Use painkillers carefully
Avoid regular use of anti-inflammatory painkillers unless a doctor advises it.
Frequently asked questions
What is chronic kidney disease?
CKD is a long-term condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. It is defined by kidney damage or reduced function lasting three months or more.
What are the early signs of kidney disease?
Often there are none. That is why testing matters if you are at risk. Later signs can include swelling, tiredness, foamy urine and changes in how often you urinate.
Can chronic kidney disease be reversed?
Established damage usually cannot be reversed, but treating causes such as diabetes and high blood pressure can slow or sometimes stabilise the disease for many years.
What are the stages of CKD?
CKD is staged from 1 to 5 using the eGFR and the amount of protein in the urine. Stage 5, or kidney failure, is when kidney function is very low.
When is dialysis needed?
Dialysis or a transplant is considered when the kidneys can no longer keep the body's balance of fluid and waste. Your kidney specialist decides based on tests and symptoms.
Can I live a normal life with CKD?
Many people with CKD, especially in the earlier stages, lead full lives with regular monitoring, treatment of underlying conditions and healthy habits.
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Medical sources
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