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Serious severity
· General Physician
Chronic Kidney Disease
CKD · Gradual kidney failure
The kidneys slowly lose their ability to filter waste over months to years. Often silent early, it is driven mainly by diabetes and high blood pressure.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- About 1 in 10 adults
- Typical age
- Older adults, diabetics
- Outlook
- Manageable; slow progression
- System
- Hormones
Reviewed by a verified General Physician doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Diabetes (leading cause)
- Long-standing high blood pressure
- Recurrent kidney infections or stones
- Overuse of painkillers
- Genetic kidney disease
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Often none in early stages
- Swelling of feet and face
- Tiredness and poor appetite
- Frequent night urination
- Itching and breathlessness later
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Tight control of sugar and BP
- Kidney-protective medicines (ACE/ARB)
- Low-salt, controlled-protein diet
- Avoid nephrotoxic drugs
- Dialysis or transplant in advanced stages
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Control diabetes and blood pressure
- Annual kidney tests if at risk
- Avoid unnecessary painkillers
- Stay hydrated and active
Do’s
- Keep sugar and BP in target range
- Get yearly creatinine and urine tests
- Take only doctor-approved medicines
- Eat a low-salt diet
Don’ts
- Pop painkillers regularly
- Ignore foot or face swelling
- Skip kidney check-ups when diabetic
- Self-prescribe herbal kidney tonics
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.