Chronic Kidney Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments

August 21, 2025

Dr. Harish K.R
MBBS. DNB (General Medicine) DM Nephrology Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician

Chronic Kidney Disease, otherwise abbreviated as CKD, is a progressive condition that affects the processes of the kidney in filtering wastes and broader body processes. CKD, in case of untreated or undiagnosed, may cause renal failure, heart conditions, and other complications. Early detection of CKD is important to manage it better and eliminate the development of other health complications. Here, we will elaborate on the chronic kidney disease causes, chronic kidney disease symptoms, chronic kidney disease stages, as well as the best chronic kidney disease treatments.

What is Chronic Kidney Disease ( CKD )?

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a malady in which kidneys are harmed by the accumulation of time, and it becomes hard to perform some essential duties to remove waste, maintain body fluids, control blood pressure or have healthy bones. The onset of the disease is gradual, and in the initial stages, there might be no detectable symptoms. The role of the kidneys should be noted and checked on a regular basis, since CKD can lead to the shutdown of the kidneys when checks fail to arrest the condition. According to the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), CKD is statistically divided into five stages.

Common Causes of Chronic Kidney Malady

A range of component diseases is capable of initiating the issue of CKD and negatively affecting the work of the kidneys as time goes by. The common causes of CKD are:

• Diabetes: Diabetes damages the blood vessels of the kidneys because of abnormal levels of sugar in the blood, and this aggravates CKD.
• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): When high blood pressure is controlled, it subjects the kidneys to pressure, which causes CKD.
• Glomerulonephritis: This is an inflammation of the filtration systems in the kidneys that has the capacity of destroying the kidneys.
• Polycystic Kidney Disease: A disease of hereditary nature; kidneys form fleshy cysts, thereby decreasing in functioning.

Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease

Many people with CKD do not experience symptoms until the disease has progressed to more advanced stages. Most individuals with CKD do not realise the symptoms until the disease is at its more advanced stages. Yet, among the first symptoms are:

• Foamy Urine: It is a sign of protein in the urine that can indicate damage to the kidneys.
• Frequent or Infrequent Urination: Any urinary changes, in particular urinary changes at night.
• Itchiness or Dry Skin: It is likely to get skin cracks because of accumulated waste products.
• Fatigue: Fatigue where a person feels tired all the time and lacks energy.
• Nausea and Lack of Appetite: It is due to the accumulation of wastes in the blood.
• Loss of Weight: The loss of weight, irrespective of the diet.

Breaking down symptoms, the worst symptoms may occur with the progression of CKD and include shortness of breath, pain in the chest, swelling of the legs, feet, or ankles.

How is Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosed?

The common ways through which CKD is diagnosed in blood and urine samples to monitor the functioning of the kidneys. Important tests are:

• Blood Test (eGFR): It determines the effectiveness of the kidneys to clean waste materials in the blood. When eGFR is low, this will mean that the kidney is not functioning well.
• Urine Test (uACR): Examines the presence of excessive protein in urine, which is the first sign of damage to the kidneys.

Tests that look at the structure and functioning of a kidney can also be done by using imaging tests like an ultrasound or CAT scan.

Chronic Kidney Disease Stages​

CKD is split into 5 phases where an individual is classified depending on GFR, or the kidney’s ability to filter wastes:

• Stage 1: Normal kidney functioning (GFR >= 90).
• Stage 2: Slight impairment of the kidneys (GFR 60-89).
• Stage 3: Kidney damage (GFR 30-59).
• Stage 4: Operating: Damage severe in kidneys (GFR 15-29).
• Stage 5: The fifth stage, which is a kidney failure (GFR < 15), is characterised by the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Effective Treatment Options for Chronic Kidney DiseaseTreatment of CKD deals with a mixture of lifestyle control, medications, and intensive measures in extreme situations. Treatments of CKD are common and include:

• Medications: Medications to lower blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney infections. ARBs and ACE inhibitors are usually prescribed to prevent hypertension and to limit the development of CKD.
• Dialysis: Patients who experience kidney failure might require dialysis to clean the blood of waste and surplus liquid.
• Kidney Transplant: With kidney failure at an advanced stage, one might need a kidney transplant that ensures the kidney works properly.

Chronic Kidney Disease Diet Plan

Altered diets play an important role in dealing with CKD. It is advisable to have a diet plan that includes:

• Low Sodium: Cutting out sodium will aid in reducing excess fluid retention and reducing blood pressure.
• Protein Regulation: Not consuming protein excessively makes life light on the kidneys.
• Potassium and Phosphorus Limitation: At later stages, it is necessary to limit the amount of potassium and phosphorus, as a means of preventing hyperkalemia, and so on.
• Hydration: Fluid consumption must be taken into consideration so as not to result in fluid retention, especially when CKD is in its advanced stages.

Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention

To minimise the chances of contracting CKD, one should check health ailments like diabetes and hypertension. Other prevention tips consist of:

• Health, Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Levels: Hypertension and diabetes are two conditions that can be managed and prevent CKD.
• Ensure a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a risk factor for CKD.
• Stop Smoking and Drink with Restraint: Smoking and heavy drinking may eventually harm the kidneys.
• Testing of Kidney Function: In case of a risk factor history in your family, such as CKD, it is recommended to perform check-ups more often.

When Should I Go to a Doctor?

At any instance that you see the symptoms, such as a change in urination, swelling, weakness, or nausea, you must approach a medical practitioner as soon as possible. The detection and treatment of the diseases in the early stages can significantly help in the slowing of CKD, besides preventing kidney failures

Nanjappa Multispecialty Hospital: Providing Expert Care for Kidney Health

Unlike simple cases of chronic kidney disease, managing the disease might be problematic in Nanjappa Multispecialty Hospital. The nephrology department of our organisation provides all types of care, including initial diagnosis and subsequent chronic kidney disease treatment options. No matter what stage of the CKD you are on or what complications you experience, we offer individual care depending on your specific needs. At our institution, with modern infrastructure and quality medical services available, you are guaranteed to have the best care for your kidney health.

In case of any suspicion of chronic kidney disease symptoms or desires to take a check-up, get in touch with Nanjappa Multispecialty Hospital regarding the best nephrology care and consultation.