Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition that occurs when the kidneys have been damaged for at least 3 months and have problems filtering blood normally. It often develops slowly with few symptoms in the beginning.
CKD can lead to further health issues, such as high blood pressure, anemia, and heart disease. As CKD progresses, it may also lead to kidney failure.
Causes
CKD is most commonly caused by preexisting conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, certain autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus), inherited kidney diseases, family history of kidney disease, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
Symptoms
There are 5 stages of CKD, and many people do not experience symptoms until stage 4 or 5. Symptoms include:
nausea/vomting
itchy skin
muscle cramps
shortness of breath
foamy urine (indicates an excess amount of protein leaking into the urine)
trouble concentrating or sleeping
weight loss
Treatment
Although there is no cure for CKD, treatments such as diet changes and medications focus on managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and preventing complications.
Sources: