Chronic kidney disease
What is chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
Chronic kidney disease, also known as chronic kidney failure, is where the kidneys do not work as well as they used to and are losing their function. CKD can get worse over time and can lead to the kidneys not working altogether, although this is uncommon as most people are able to live long and somewhat relatively normal lives.
What are the symptoms of CKD?
In the early stages of CKD, there may be few signs or symptoms and it may be picked up if blood or urine tests detect a problem with the kidneys. This may happen when tests are undertaken for other problems. CKD does not become apparent until there is significant impairment in kidney function. The signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease, which progresses slowly, may include:
- Feeling sick, nauseous and vomiting
- Tiredness and weakness
- Swollen ankles and feet
- Difficulty with sleep
- Changes in how often you urinate
- Twitching of muscles and cramps
- Itching
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
What are the causes of chronic kidney disease?
Kidney disease is caused by other health conditions that can put a strain on the kidneys. CKD can be caused by:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Kidney inflammation (glomerulonephritis)
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Long-term use of medications, such as lithium.
Tests for chronic kidney disease
Blood and urine tests can look for high levels of certain substances that show signs that the kidneys are not working properly. The test results can tell what stage of the disease that the kidneys are in.
Treatment of chronic kidney disease
There is no cure for chronic kidney disease but symptoms can be relieved to stop them from becoming worse. The main treatments include:
- Lifestyle changes to in order to stay healthy.
- Medication to help with problems, such as high blood pressure.
- Kidney dialysis, to replicate some of the kidney’s functions.
- Kidney transplant
The outlook for chronic kidney disease
The condition of CKD can range from mild to very serious, and the point where the kidney stops working. This is known as kidney failure. CKD can be controlled with medication and regular check-ups. According to the NHS, only one in fifty people end up with kidney failure from the condition. Even with mild CKD, it can lead to other serious health problems such as cardiovascular disease.
Understanding the link between high cholesterol and kidney disease
By Dr Christopher Lawrence
2022-01-20
For those who live with chronic kidney disease, it is known that these people have a higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke or a heart attack. Top nephrologist Dr Christopher Lawrence explains when the link between high cholesterol and renal disease. See more
The misdiagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD)
By Dr Jonathan Kwan
2022-01-19
Kidney specialist Dr Jonathan Kwan reports that it is not uncommon for patients to be misdiagnosed with chronic kidney disease, causing unnecessary anxiety and costs for patients. Here's what patients should be aware of... See more
Chronic kidney disease: how beetroot juice and a healthy diet can help manage the condition
By Professor Liz Lightstone
2022-01-19
Chronic kidney disease is the term describing when the kidneys are not working properly. Leading consultant nephrologist, Professor Liz Lightstone discusses the possible causes, and how you can improve the health of your kidneys. See more
What lifestyle changes can help patients with kidney disease?
By Dr Peter Hill
2022-01-19
Having kidney disease means your kidneys’ ability to filter and clean your blood is hindered. This can have several effects on your health because without well-functioning kidneys, your body is not able to remove toxins from the body. If your kidney disease is not advanced, certain lifestyle changes can help to reduce symptoms and to provide longevity to your kidneys. Dr Peter Hill, a renowned nephrologist, discusses the symptoms of PKD, and the lifestyle modifications that are necessary for those diagnosed with kidney disease. See more
-
Dr Jonathan Kwan
NephrologyExpert in:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetic nephropathy
- Haematuria (blood in the urine)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Kidney infection
- Proteinuria (protein in the urine)
-
Dr Andrew Palmer
NephrologyExpert in:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Nephropathy (Kidney disease)
- Urinary tract infection
- Acute kidney injury (AKI)
- Acute kidney injury (AKI)
- Dialysis
-
Dr David Game
NephrologyExpert in:
- Kidney transplantation
- Chronic kidney disease
- Dialysis
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Acute kidney injury (AKI)
- Kidney stones
-
Dr Mark Thomas
NephrologyExpert in:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Glomerulonephritis
- Diabetic nephropathy
- Acute kidney injury (AKI)
- Urinary tract infection
-
Dr James Pattison
NephrologyExpert in:
- Proteinuria (protein in the urine)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Urinary tract infection
- Kidney transplantation
- Diabetic nephropathy
- Diabetic nephropathy
- See all
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Private Healthcare
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Private Healthcare
Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, SE1 9RT
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
-
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Private Healthcare
Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, SE1 9RT, SE1 South Bank LondonExpert in:
- Adult and paediatric services
- Adult Diabetes
- Allergy
- Cardiology
- Child Diabetes
- Clinical Dermatology