Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention

The prevalence of CKD in India varies by region but is generally high. Some studies have reported a prevalence of 13.24%, while others reported a prevalence of 17.2% in India. Several factors, such as poverty, poor sanitation, water contamination, and pollutants, contribute to the high prevalence of CKD in India. 

CKD, or chronic kidney disease, is a progressive condition that develops slowly. The symptoms may worsen with time. Therefore, it is important to recognize its symptoms, plan its management, and strategize for its treatment. 

This blog will educate you about CKD, its symptoms, causes, and tips for management and treatment. 

What is CKD?

In medical terms, the full form of CKD is Chronic Kidney Disease. It means your kidneys are not working properly and gradually losing their function. Your kidneys are like a filter in your body, filtering out wastes, toxins, and extra water from your blood. 

Kidneys also help improve bone and red blood cell health. However, any abnormality in kidney functioning may lead to waste buildup in the blood. 

The 5 Stages of CKD 

There are five stages of CKD, which are categorized based on the kidney's ability to filter waste from the blood. 

According to the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), a healthcare professional may determine the stage. The GFR number is the level of creatinine present in your blood. 

Stage	GFR	Meaning
Stage 1	90 and higher	Your kidneys are working well, but there are signs of mild kidney damage.
Stage 2	60 to 89	Your kidney is working well, but you have more signs of mild kidney damage.
Stage 3a	45 to 59	Your kidney isn’t working properly and shows mild-to-moderate damage.  This is the most common stage, and you may start noticing symptoms at this stage.
Stage 3b	30 to 44	Your kidneys show moderate damage, and most people remain in this stage without progressing to stage 4
Stage 4	15 to 29	Your kidneys have very poor functioning, and your kidneys are severely damaged.
Stage 5	Less than 15	Your kidneys are very close to stopping working or having stopped working. At this stage, you may need kidney dialysis or a kidney transplant.

What are the CKD Symptoms?

An individual may not experience symptoms in the early stages of CKD. However, as the condition worsens, you may see certain CKD symptoms, like: 

• Tiredness

• Low energy levels 

• Weakness

• Urge to urinate frequently

• Loss of appetite 

• Swelling in your feet, ankles, and hands. 

• Puffy eyes

• Shortness of breath 

• Dry and itchy skin

• Trouble concentrating

• Foamy or bubbly urine 

• Trouble sleeping  

• Numbness

• Muscle cramps 

• Nausea 

• Vomiting 

• High blood pressure

• Skin darkening 

What are the CKD Causes?

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, causes kidney damage over time. The two most common causes are high blood pressure and diabetes. The following are the other causes of CKD.

Causes	How Does it Affect?
Glomerulonephritis	It is a type of kidney disease that damages the glomeruli, the filtering units inside the kidneys.
Polycystic kidney disease	It is a genetic disorder that causes many fluid-filled cysts in your kidney. It can reduce your kidney’s ability to function.
Membranous Nephropathy	It is a disorder where your immune system attacks the waste-filtering membranes in your kidney.
Obstructions of the Urinary Tract	It can happen from kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, or cancer.
Vesicourethral Reflux	It is a condition in which urine flows backward from the bladder to the kidneys.
Nephrotic Syndrome	It is a collection of symptoms that indicate kidney damage.
Diabetes-related Nephropathy	It is kidney damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels in diabetes.
Immune system diseases	Lupus or other immune system disease can cause kidney problems such as sarcoidosis, Goodpasture syndrome, and polyarteritis nodosa.
Pyelonephritis	It is a recurring kidney infection.

CKD can also have a genetic component, which may run in families. Diabetes and hypertension are two major risk factors contributing to it. 

Who Is at Risk for Developing Chronic Kidney Disease?

Anyone can develop CKD kidney disease. However, some people are at higher risk for it. These include: 

• People with a family history of kidney disease

• People who have diabetes 

• People who are over 60 years old. 

• People who have high blood pressure. 

• People who have abnormal kidney structure or size. 

• People who have heart disease. 

• People who have a long history of taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAID pain relievers. 

What are the Complications of CKD Disease? 

The following are the 11 complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

• Gout

• High Blood Pressure

• Weak and brittle bones 

• Low red blood cell count or anemia 

• Heart diseases and blood vessel disease

• Hyperphosphatemia or high phosphorus 

• Hyperkalemia or high potassium affects your heart’s ability to function properly.

• Nerve damage

• Metabolic acidosis. It is a chemical imbalance in your blood caused by decreased kidney function. 

• There is a high risk of infection because of a weak immune system. 
• Fluid buildup leads to inflammation or swelling in your feet, hands, and ankles.

How is CKD Diagnosed?

A doctor may prescribe a physical examination, evaluate your medical history, assess your medications, and examine your family history. These steps help them determine the severity of your symptoms, identify causes, and plan for CKD treatment. 

A kidney function test measures glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and serum creatinine levels. Redcliffe Labs is an omnichannel PAN-India diagnostic service provider that offers the KFT test at an affordable price and with a home sample collection service. 

Follow the steps below to book a test from Redcliffe Labs. 

• Visit www.redcliffelabs.com

• Search for the test you need. 

• Click ‘Book now’ and fill out the required information: name, address, preferred time, and contact details. 

• Make the Payment. 

• A phlebotomist will visit your home for sample collection. 

Note: You will receive the sample booking confirmation through SMS or WhatsApp. 

Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/kidney-test/blood-test-for-kidney-function-importance-analysis/ 

Is There a Treatment for CKD?

Although CKD has no specific cure, there are surely some measures for managing its symptoms and treating it. 

• Avoid taking over-the-counter medications; instead, consult your doctor and take only prescribed medications. They can worsen your kidney disease symptoms. 

• Timely monitor your blood sugar levels, especially if you have diabetes. 

• Manage your blood pressure levels. 

• Keep visiting your healthcare provider. They can monitor your kidney health and strategize for CKD treatment. 

• Avoid smoking or consuming tobacco. 

• Maintain a healthy weight. 

• Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily. 

• Follow a kidney-friendly diet. This diet includes foods that reduce blood cholesterol levels and limit sodium and potassium intake. 

A healthcare provider may suggest certain medications for CKD. These include: 

• Medications to lower cholesterol levels. 
• Medications to eliminate phosphate. 
• Vitamin D and calcitriol supplements to prevent bone loss. 
• An ACE inhibitor or an ARB to lower blood pressure. 
• A diuretic to eliminate extra fluid. 

If an individual has reached the advanced stage, a healthcare professional may prescribe a dialysis or kidney transplant. 

Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/kidney-test/kidney-function-tests-list-of-blood-and-imaging-tests-done/ 

7 Tips to Prevent CKD 

This 5-stage disease can be prevented with some lifestyle modifications. 

1. Eat a well-balanced diet. 

2. Avoid smoking and consuming tobacco. 

3. Maintain a healthy weight according to your BMI. 

4. Limit caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. 

5. Take only prescribed medications. 

6. Sleep for at least 6-8 hours at night. 

7. Limit your intake of foods high in sugar and salt, as these can raise blood sugar and blood pressure levels. 

The Bottom Line 

CKD is a progressive condition that can silently damage your kidneys, leading to severe complications if left undiagnosed. As kidney function declines, waste, electrolytes, and excess fluids build up in the body, increasing the risk of life-threatening issues like hypertension, heart disease, and kidney failure. Early detection is crucial to slowing disease progression and managing symptoms effectively. 

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen—take control of your kidney health today. Book a Kidney Function Test with Healthy India ki Trusted Labs- Redcliffe Labs and get accurate results for timely intervention.