Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) – Early Detection and Treatment Options

1. What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

CKD is a long-term condition where the kidneys progressively lose their ability to filter blood efficiently. This decline can happen over years and is often irreversible, but with proper management, progression can be slowed significantly.

CKD is classified into five stages based on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) — a measure of kidney function:

• Stage 1 (GFR 90+): Normal function with some kidney damage
• Stage 2 (GFR 60–89): Mild loss of function
• Stage 3a (GFR 45–59): Mild to moderate loss
• Stage 3b (GFR 30–44): Moderate to severe loss
• Stage 4 (GFR 15–29): Severe loss of function
• Stage 5 (GFR <15): Kidney failure (End-Stage Renal Disease – ESRD)

2. Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease

• Diabetes (Type 1 & Type 2) – High blood sugar damages kidney filters.
• High Blood Pressure – Strains and scars kidney blood vessels.
• Glomerulonephritis – Inflammation of kidney filtering units.
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) – Inherited disorder causing cysts.
• Prolonged Urinary Tract Obstruction – Due to stones, enlarged prostate, or cancers.
• Recurrent Kidney Infections – Long-standing pyelonephritis can cause scarring.
• Autoimmune Disorders – Such as lupus nephritis.

3. Symptoms – Often Silent at First

• Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Swelling in legs, ankles, or around eyes
• Changes in urination (frequency, colour, foaming)
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
• Muscle cramps and itching
• Difficulty concentrating or confusion
• High blood pressure that’s hard to control

4. Treatment Options for CKD

Lifestyle & Dietary Modifications

• Limit salt intake to control blood pressure.
• Reduce protein intake (under medical guidance).
• Stay hydrated but avoid excess fluids if swelling.
• Quit smoking for better kidney and heart health.
• Maintain healthy weight with balanced diet and exercise.

Medications

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs to protect kidneys.
• Strict blood sugar control for diabetics.
• Diuretics for swelling.
• Erythropoietin agents for anaemia.
• Phosphate binders & vitamin D for bone health.

Treating Underlying Causes

Managing root conditions like diabetes, urinary obstructions, or autoimmune disorders is critical to slowing CKD progression.

Dialysis

• Haemodialysis: Blood filtered through a machine.
• Peritoneal Dialysis: Uses abdominal lining as a natural filter.

Kidney Transplant

For eligible ESRD patients, transplantation offers the best long-term outcome and improved quality of life compared to ongoing dialysis.

Conclusion:

Chronic Kidney Disease is serious but manageable — especially with early detection. Knowing risk factors, recognising symptoms, and getting regular kidney check-ups can make all the difference. If you or a loved one may be at risk, book a kidney health evaluation at MITR Urology today and take the first step in protecting your health.