Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease means the kidneys slowly lose their ability to clean waste and extra water from the blood over months or years. The most common causes are diabetes and high blood pressure. It often has no symptoms until late, so people at risk need regular urine and blood tests. Early care can slow it down and avoid the need for dialysis.
Symptoms
- Usually no symptoms in the early stages
- Swelling of the feet, ankles or face
- Tiredness and weakness
- Passing more or less urine than usual, or foamy urine
- Poor appetite, nausea and itchy skin (later stages)
- Shortness of breath
Causes
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Repeated kidney infections, or kidney stones that block the urine
- Long-term use of painkillers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac
- Inherited kidney diseases
- Blocked urine flow, for example from an enlarged prostate
Prevention
- Keep blood sugar and blood pressure well controlled
- Have a urine and blood (creatinine) test every year if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history
- Avoid regular use of painkillers such as ibuprofen and diclofenac without a doctor
- Use less salt, drink enough water and do not smoke
- Treat urinary infections and stones early
Treatment
- Control of blood pressure and blood sugar with medicines from your doctor
- A kidney-friendly diet: less salt, and advice on protein and potassium from your doctor or nutritionist
- Treatment of anaemia and bone problems caused by kidney disease
- Regular blood and urine tests to follow kidney function
- Dialysis or a kidney transplant if the kidneys fail
- Tell every doctor and pharmacist that you have kidney disease, because many medicines need a lower dose
Common questions
Does chronic kidney disease always lead to dialysis?
No. Most people with early kidney disease never need dialysis, especially if blood pressure and blood sugar are well controlled and harmful medicines are avoided.
Which painkiller is safer for my kidneys?
Paracetamol at normal doses is usually the safer choice. Avoid regular ibuprofen, diclofenac and similar painkillers unless your doctor approves.