Chronic kidney disease (CKD) symptoms, treatment and prevention

While kidney damage can't be repaired, if found early, there are ways you can keep it from getting worse, such as following a kidney-friendly eating plan, being active, and taking certain medicines.

In the U.S., more than 35 million people have CKD. 
That is 1 in 7 adults.

What causes CKD?

The most common cause of kidney failure is diabetes. Other causes include:

• High blood pressure
• Autoimmune diseases like lupus or IgA nephropathy
• Genetic conditions passed down from your parents, such as polycystic kidney disease or other rare kidney diseases
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Problems in the urinary tract (the system that makes and removes urine), such as kidney stones

In some cases, the kidneys can suddenly lose their ability to work within hours or a few days. This can happen when there is stress on the kidneys from an illness or medications and is more common in people who are already in the hospital for other serious health issues. It can resolve and kidney function may return to normal. However, it is possible this acute kidney injury (AKI) may last longer and develop into CKD. Treatments include fluids, treating an infection, stopping medications that may be causing the AKI, or dialysis (depending on the damage to your kidneys). Even after recovery, AKI can lead to long-term damage and increase your chances of developing CKD.

Who is at risk for CKD?

Anyone can get CKD, but some people have a higher chance, including those who:

• Are over age 60
• Are Black, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian American
• Live with obesity
• Smoke or use tobacco products
• Have a family history of kidney disease: If close family members have CKD or if you have inherited conditions such as autosomal dominant medullary kidney disease (ADMKD) or other genetic disorders that affect the kidneys, you may be at higher risk.

Talk to your doctor about getting a blood and a urine test to check your kidneys if you have any of these risk factors for CKD.

What are the stages of CKD?

CKD is broken down into five stages based on how well your kidneys work and the amount of damage your kidneys have. Kidney disease can get worse over time. In the early stages (Stages 1–3), your kidneys are still able to filter waste out of your blood. In the later stages (Stages 4–5), your kidneys must work harder to filter your blood and may stop working altogether. CKD stages are determined based on a blood test called estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and a urine test called urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR).

Understanding your stage can help you manage symptoms, slow progression, and protect your kidneys. Learn more about the stages of CKD.

What are the symptoms of CKD?

In the early stages of kidney disease (stages 1-3), you may not have any symptoms. As your kidney disease gets worse and you enter the later stages  (stages 4 and 5), you may notice symptoms, such as:

• Itchy skin
• Muscle cramps
• Weakness or tiredness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling less hungry than normal
• Swelling of your legs, ankles and feet
• Urinating (peeing) more or less than normal
• Foamy, frothy or bubbly-looking urine, which means there is protein in your urine
• Trouble catching your breath
• Trouble sleeping

Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms. 

What other health problems can CKD cause?

Your kidneys keep your body working properly. When your kidneys aren't working as well as they should, this can cause other health problems, such as:

• Anemia (not enough red blood cells in your body)
• High phosphorus and high calcium, which can cause bone disease
• High potassium, which can harm your heart
• Edema (swelling)

How can I slow the damage to my kidneys?

Kidney damage cannot be reversed or repaired, but you can keep it from getting worse. Following your treatment plan and making healthy life changes, can help keep your kidneys working for as long as possible. 

These steps can help slow or prevent damage to your kidneys: 

• Work with your doctor to manage diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Ask your doctor about medications that are able to slow the disease process or target the cause of your kidney disease.
• Take all of your prescription medicines as your doctor tells you.
• Have visits with a kidney doctor (nephrologist) to check your blood levels and overall health.
• Follow a kidney-friendly eating plan. A dietitian can help you make a plan that works for you.
• Be active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
• Drink less alcohol. Guidelines for drinking alcohol are:
  • For men: No more than two drinks per day
  • For women: No more than one drink per day
• Quit smoking or using tobacco.

How do doctors treat CKD?

While CKD cannot be cured, you can take steps to prevent or delay progression of your disease. For example, your doctor may recommend a treatment plan that includes:

• Certain medicines that can ease symptoms, slow disease progression and prevent complications
• Diuretics (water pills) to help your kidneys get rid of salt and water and lower swelling
• Eating less salt and processed foods
• Eating the right amount of protein for your CKD stage

If your kidneys stop working, you'll need a different way to filter and clean your blood. Your two main options are:

• Dialysis: A treatment to remove waste and excess fluid from your blood when your kidneys are unable to. There are two types, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
• Kidney transplant: A surgery to give you a healthy kidney from either a deceased or living donor.

Learn more about treatments for kidney disease. 

How can I prevent CKD?

Preventing CKD depends on your risk factors and lifestyle. 

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or both conditions, the best way to prevent CKD is to control your blood sugar and blood pressure. 

Other ways to help prevent kidney damage are:

• Following a healthy eating pattern such as the DASH or Mediterranean eating plan
• Being active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week
• Taking your medicines as prescribed.
• Going to the doctor regularly for any necessary tests