Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means your kidneys aren’t working as well as they should. This can happen for many reasons and usually develops slowly over months or even years. In most people, especially older adults, CKD is mild or moderate and doesn’t cause symptoms at first.
What Do the Kidneys Do?
Your kidneys act like natural filters. They remove waste and extra fluid from your blood, help control blood pressure, and balance important minerals like calcium and potassium.
What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?
CKD is a long-term (chronic) condition where the kidneys are damaged or slowly lose their function. This doesn’t mean your kidneys have stopped working altogether—just that they aren’t doing their job as well as they used to.
CKD used to be called “chronic renal failure,” but that name can sound misleading because in most cases, the kidneys haven’t completely failed.
What Causes CKD?
Several conditions can lead to CKD, including:
- Diabetes – the most common cause.
- High blood pressure – can damage the kidneys over time.
- Ageing – kidneys often slow down naturally as we get older.
Other possible causes include:
- Long-term use of some medications (like NSAIDs, lithium).
- Kidney infections or inflammation.
- Blockages in the flow of urine.
- Genetic conditions like polycystic kidney disease.
Are There Symptoms?
Most people with early-stage CKD don’t feel sick. That’s why it’s often picked up during routine blood or urine tests.
Symptoms usually appear in later stages and may include:
- Feeling tired or unwell
- Swelling in the legs or around the eyes
- Dry or itchy skin
- Poor appetite
- Needing to pee more often
- Nausea or weight loss
How Is CKD Diagnosed?
CKD is usually found through two main tests:
- Blood test (eGFR) – estimates how well your kidneys are filtering waste.
- Urine test – checks for protein in your pee, which can be a sign of kidney damage.
The Stages of CKD
CKD is divided into five stages based on kidney function:
| Stage | What It Means | eGFR (ml/min/1.73 m²) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Normal function with signs of kidney damage | 90+ |
| 2 | Mild loss of function with damage | 60–89 |
| 3 | Moderate loss of function | 30–59 |
| 4 | Severe loss of function | 15–29 |
| 5 | Kidney failure (end-stage) | Less than 15 |
What Happens in Stage 3 CKD?
If you have stage 3 CKD, it means moderate kidney damage. You may not feel any symptoms, but your doctor will monitor your kidney function regularly with blood and urine tests.
Treatment focuses on:
- Controlling blood pressure
- Managing diabetes or other conditions
- Reducing protein loss in urine
- Preventing heart disease
Can CKD Be Treated?
There is no cure, but CKD can be managed. The goal is to slow the disease, protect your kidneys, and reduce risks of other health problems like heart disease.
Treatment may include:
- Blood pressure medications (like ACE inhibitors or ARBs)
- Blood sugar control (if you have diabetes)
- Special medications (like SGLT2 inhibitors) to protect your kidneys
- Diet changes (in later stages, you may need to limit salt, protein, or potassium)
What If My CKD Gets Worse?
If CKD progresses to stage 4 or 5, you may need to see a kidney specialist (nephrologist). Treatments may include:
- Dialysis – a process to clean your blood when your kidneys can’t
- Kidney transplant
- Medications for symptoms like anaemia, bone problems, or swelling
Protecting Your Health with CKD
CKD increases your risk of heart disease, so it’s important to:
- Keep blood pressure and blood sugar under control
- Take medicines as prescribed
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
- Eat a heart-healthy, low-salt diet
- Exercise regularly
- Get vaccinated (flu, pneumonia)
What’s the Outlook?
Most people with mild or moderate CKD live normal lives, especially if the condition is managed well. Regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and the right treatments can help keep your kidneys working and reduce the risk of other health problems.
Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns or questions about your kidney health.