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Understanding Kidney Disease (Chronic Kidney Disease – CKD)

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) can be overwhelming to understand, especially when you’re navigating symptoms, test results, and lifestyle changes. Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed or supporting someone who has, having the right information matters. In this FAQ, we answer some of the most common questions about CKD—what it is, how it progresses, and how to manage it day to day.

What is kidney disease / chronic kidney disease?

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) refers to persistent kidney damage or decreased kidney function for more than 3 months. CKD is a progressive condition, meaning:

  • It starts gradually.
  • Kidney function declines over time.
  • Early stages may be silent, but complications increase as the disease progresses.

What is Kidney Failure?

Kidney failure, also called End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD), is the final stage of CKD. At this point, your kidneys have lost nearly all function and can no longer filter the blood adequately.

This stage requires dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.

So yes — kidney failure is different from kidney disease. It is the last and most severe stage of CKD.

What Are the Causes / Risk Factors of CKD?

1. Diabetes

Uncontrolled or long-standing diabetes damages the kidney’s small blood vessels.

This is the leading cause of CKD globally.

2. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Damages the blood vessels supplying the kidneys.

Untreated or long-term severe hypertension causes kidney scarring.

3. Kidney Stones

Large or recurrent stones can block urine flow and damage kidney tissue.

Repeated stone episodes can lead to chronic kidney scarring.

4. Painkillers (NSAIDs)

Regular, long-term use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen can harm kidneys.

Even over-the-counter use may cause slow, permanent damage.

5. Autoimmune Diseases

Disorders like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) can cause inflammation in kidneys (Lupus Nephritis).

What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Disease?

In the early stages, CKD usually has no symptoms.

Symptoms appear only in later stages, which is why early screening is so important.

How Do You Screen for Kidney Disease?

Blood Tests:

  • Serum Creatinine – Measures kidney function
  • Estimated GFR (eGFR) – Estimates how well your kidneys are filtering

Urine Tests:

  • Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) – Detects early protein leakage from damaged filters
  • Complete Urine Examination – Identifies signs of infection or chronic damage

Other Tests:

  • CBC (Complete Blood Picture) – May show anemia in kidney disease
  • Ultrasound – Helps visualize kidney size and structure

Can Kidney Disease Be Cured?

  • CKD cannot be reversed, but
  • Progression can be slowed, or even halted, if detected and managed early

If you have ongoing concerns, need help managing your care, or want personalized guidance tailored to your condition—the Kidneyfy team is here to support you.

Reach out anytime for expert care, compassionate support, and answers that meet you where you are on your kidney health journey.