What is chronic kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease is long-term, gradual damage to the kidneys that reduces their ability to filter the blood. In its early stages it often causes no symptoms or only mild ones, but it can get worse and lead to kidney failure.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of chronic kidney disease include tiredness, changes in urination, high blood pressure, muscle cramps and itching.
What can cause it?
The most common causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) include diabetes, high blood pressure and glomerulonephritis. Diagnosis is made with kidney function tests, such as blood and urine tests, together with imaging.
What treatments are available?
Treatment of chronic kidney disease depends on its severity and cause. The aim is to slow progression, prevent complications and improve the patient’s quality of life. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, tight control of blood pressure and blood sugar, medication and, in severe cases, dialysis or a kidney transplant.
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