Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means your kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood the way they should. This causes waste to build up in your body.
Key Fact: CKD often has no symptoms until it is very advanced, which is why it's sometimes called a 'silent killer'.
Common Symptoms
Swelling (Edema)
Fluid buildup in the feet, ankles, hands, or around the eyes.
Changes in Urination
Urinating more or less often, or seeing foamy or dark-colored urine.
High Blood Pressure
Hypertension that becomes difficult to control with standard medications.
Shortness of Breath
Fluid buildup in the lungs or anemia making it harder to breathe.
Risk Factors
- Diabetes (type 1 or 2)
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Family history of kidney failure
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves blood and urine tests to check how well your kidneys are functioning.
eGFR Blood Test
Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio
Kidney Ultrasound
Kidney Biopsy
Common Treatments
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Blood Pressure Meds: ACE inhibitors or ARBs to help protect kidney function and lower pressure.
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Dialysis: A life-sustaining treatment that uses a machine to filter blood when kidneys fail.
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Kidney Transplant: Surgical replacement of a failed kidney with a healthy one from a donor.