What is CKD?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. Over time wastes can build up, leading to various health problems. CKD is usually progressive and may not cause symptoms in early stages.
Why is it important?
- Many people don’t realise they have reduced kidney function until it has progressed.
- CKD can increase risk of other serious conditions, including cardiovascular disease.
- Early detection can help slow progression, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life.
Am I at risk?
You may be more at risk of CKD if you have one or more of the following:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- A family history of kidney disease
- Are over the age of 60
- Obesity or being overweight
- Smoking
- Certain ethnic backgrounds
- Long-term use of medicines that affect kidney function
Signs & Symptoms
CKD often has no symptoms in early stages, but as it progresses, you may notice:
- Swelling in ankles, feet, or hands (oedema)
- Fatigue, feeling unusually tired
- Changes in urination (more or less, darker or foamy urine)
- Itchiness
- Loss of appetite or nausea
- Shortness of breath if fluid builds up in the lungs
If any of these become noticeable, speak with your GP.
How is CKD diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves:
- Blood tests (e.g. to check your creatinine level, estimate glomerular filtration rate or eGFR)
- Urine tests (to check for protein)
- Blood pressure check
- Possibly imaging tests (e.g. ultrasound)
- Assessment of risk factors and patient history
What can you do to reduce risk or slow progression?
You can take action now to protect your kidneys, or care for them if you’ve already been diagnosed:
- Manage blood pressure: Keep it under control through medication (if prescribed), diet (low salt), regular exercise, limit alcohol.
- Manage diabetes: If you have diabetes, keep blood sugar levels well controlled.
- Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a healthy weight, stop smoking, reduce alcohol, eat a balanced diet.
- Diet adjustments: Cutting down on excess salt, protein (if advised), and monitoring potassium/phosphate depending on kidney function.
- Regular check-ups: Attend all GP or specialist appointments to check your kidney function and associated conditions.
Living with CKD
If you have CKD, there are ways to manage symptoms and maintain wellbeing:
- Follow treatment plans, such as medications, dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments
- Monitor for complications like anaemia, bone disease, fluid overload
- Stay in contact with your healthcare team
- Get support, Kidney Care UK offers many free resources, advice, and patient information leaflets.
Video
Here’s a helpful video explaining CKD, its risks and what you can do:
Useful resources
- Kidney Care UK: Information about kidney health, CKD stages, treatments, diet advice, living with kidney disease.
- Kidney Health Checker: Assess your risk of CKD.
- Patient information leaflets and translated materials.
- Advice on diet / nutrition for CKD.
- Chronic Kidney Disease – Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
What to do next
If you think you might be at risk of CKD, or you’ve noticed any symptoms, it’s a good idea to arrange a conversation with your GP. They can run simple tests and guide you on steps you can take now, to protect your kidney health.