Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Our kidneys do a lot of important work every day. They remove waste and extra fluid from the blood, balance minerals, control blood pressure, and keep the body healthy. When kidneys stop working properly over time, it is called Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
CKD means the kidneys slowly lose their ability to clean the blood. This happens over months or even years. At first, you may not notice any signs because the body adjusts, but as damage increases, symptoms appear and the risk of kidney failure grows.

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic Kidney Disease, or CKD, is a long-term condition where the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as well as they should. When this happens, waste and fluid start to build up in the body.
In the early stages, there may be no symptoms at all. Many people come to know about CKD only when it becomes serious. Early testing and regular monitoring can help slow down kidney damage and prevent complications.
If kidney damage continues, it can lead to kidney failure, where the kidneys stop working completely. In such cases, dialysis or a kidney transplant becomes necessary.

Common Causes of CKD

CKD usually develops because of other health problems that harm the kidneys over time. The most common causes are:

Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Here are the symptoms people often experience. It's good to know them so you can consult early if they show up.

• Diabetes: High blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys.
• High blood pressure: Constant high pressure weakens and scars kidney tissue.
• Heart disease: Poor heart health can affect blood flow to the kidneys.
• Obesity and family history: Both increase the risk of kidney problems.
• Long-term use of painkillers or certain medications can also harm kidneys if not used properly.

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems, it's important to get your kidneys checked regularly.

Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease

In the early stages, CKD usually causes no symptoms. As the condition worsens, you might notice changes such as:

• Feeling tired or weak all the time
• Swelling in your feet, ankles, or face
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Trouble sleeping or concentrating
• Dry or itchy skin
• Foamy urine (a sign of protein leakage)
• Urinating more or less than usual
• Shortness of breath or chest pain (when fluid builds up in lungs or around the heart)
• High blood pressure that is hard to control

Because these symptoms can also appear in other illnesses, many people don't realize they have kidney disease until it's advanced. That's why regular check-ups are so important.

How CKD is Diagnosed

Doctors usually diagnose CKD through simple tests:

• Blood test (creatinine and eGFR): shows how well your kidneys are filtering waste.
• Urine test: checks for protein or albumin, which can be an early sign of damage.
• Blood pressure measurement: high readings may indicate or worsen CKD.
• Ultrasound or imaging: helps see kidney size and structure.

If you're at risk, your doctor—like Dr. Satyanarayana Garre, a kidney specialist in Hyderabad—may suggest routine tests to catch kidney damage early.

Treatment and Management

There's no complete cure for CKD, but it can be managed and its progress slowed down. Treatment focuses on controlling the cause and protecting kidney function.

• Control diabetes and blood pressure: Keeping these in check prevents further damage.
• Eat a kidney-friendly diet: Reduce salt and processed foods. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables (as advised by your doctor).
• Stay hydrated: Drink enough water, but not too much if your doctor restricts fluids.
• Avoid painkillers and harmful drugs: Overuse of certain medicines (like NSAIDs) can damage kidneys.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Both can worsen kidney and heart problems.
• Stay active: Light exercise helps maintain blood pressure and overall health.
• Regular follow-ups: Keep in touch with your nephrologist for ongoing care and test monitoring.

In advanced stages, when kidneys cannot filter blood properly, treatments like dialysis or kidney transplant may be needed. These treatments replace lost kidney function and help patients live longer, healthier lives.

When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor or nephrologist if you:

• Have diabetes or high blood pressure
• Notice swelling, tiredness, or changes in urination
• Have a family history of kidney disease
• Experience persistent high blood pressure despite medication

Early care can make a big difference. A kidney specialist like Dr. Satyanarayana Garre can help diagnose CKD early, guide you on lifestyle changes, and start treatment to protect your kidneys.

Conclusion

Chronic Kidney Disease grows slowly but can cause serious health problems if ignored. The best way to protect your kidneys is to stay aware, get tested regularly, and manage your health conditions properly.

With early diagnosis and proper care, you can live a normal, active life even with CKD. If you are in Hyderabad and want expert kidney care, consult Dr. Satyanarayana Garre, a trusted nephrologist dedicated to helping patients prevent and manage kidney diseases effectively.