Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition in which your kidneys are damaged and unable to filter blood effectively enough. This condition is called 'chronic' because the damage to your kidneys slows down over time. This damage causes waste to accumulate in your body. Other health problems can result from CKD.

Your kidney is placed directly under your ribs on your back.

The primary function of the kidneys is to filter excess water and waste products from your blood and produce *****. The kidneys balance the salts and minerals in the blood such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium to keep your body running smoothly. Your kidneys also produce hormones that help control blood pressure, red blood cell production, and **** health.

Kidney disease often worsens over time and leads to kidney failure. If your kidneys fail, you may need dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain your health.

What are the signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

Symptoms of early CKD may be absent.

You may be wondering how you can get CKD and stay in good health. Our kidneys are capable of doing more than we need to do to keep ourselves healthy. For example, you can donate a kidney when you are healthy. You can get kidney disease without any symptoms because your kidneys are still working well so you can recover even if they are bad. For most patients, blood and ***** tests are the only way to find out if they have kidney disease.

As kidney disease develops, a person's body swells, a condition called edema. Edema occurs when the kidneys are unable to remove excess fluid and salt. Edema affects the feet, legs, and ankles, although it is less common on the hands and face.

Advanced CKD features

• Chest discomfort
• Dry skin
• Numbness or itching
• I'm not tired
• Headache
• Urination (increased or decreased)
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Sleep problems
• Unable to concentrate
• Vomiting
• Should be thin
• Anemia, **** disease, and malnutrition are all side effects of CKD.

Is CKD associated with other health problems?

Kidney disease can lead to many other health problems, including heart disease. If you have kidney disease, you may have ****** or a heart attack.

Kidney disease is a cause and consequence of high blood pressure. Your kidneys are injured by high blood pressure and damaged kidneys are less effective in controlling your blood pressure.

If you have CKD, you are more likely to experience a sudden decrease in kidney function as a result of illness, injury, or certain medications. This is called acute renal damage (AKI).

How does CKD affect my daily life?

Many people fear that they have kidney disease because they believe that dialysis is the only way. On the other hand, most people with kidney disease do not need dialysis. If you have kidney disease, you can continue to work, spend time with friends and family, be physically active, and do other activities that you enjoy. To keep your kidneys safe, you need to make changes in your diet and include healthy behaviors in your daily routine.

Will my kidneys improve?

Kidney disease is often 'progressive', which means it gets worse over time. Your kidney disease will leave permanent scars.

If you have diabetes, you can protect your kidneys by controlling your blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

What if my kidneys do not work properly?

Kidney failure occurs when your kidneys lose most of their ability to function, resulting in less than 15% of normal kidney function. To stay healthy, you need medical help if you have kidney failure.