Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Facts: Causes, Symptoms & Prevention Explained
Introduction
Your kidneys are your body’s natural filtration system — removing toxins, maintaining fluid balance, and keeping your blood pressure, bones, and red blood cell production in check. But when the kidneys begin to lose function gradually, the result is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) — a silent yet serious health condition that affects millions globally.
At PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad, our nephrology and urology teams specialize in the early detection, prevention, and treatment of CKD, helping patients preserve kidney function and improve quality of life. Through comprehensive renal screening, advanced diagnostics, dialysis support, and transplant programs, PACE ensures holistic kidney care under one roof.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
Chronic Kidney Disease is a long-term condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. This decline in function happens over months or years and may lead to a dangerous buildup of toxins in the body.
If untreated, CKD can result in:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Weak bones and vitamin D deficiency
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Malnutrition and weight loss
- Heart disease and stroke
Eventually, CKD can progress to end-stage kidney failure, where the kidneys can no longer function independently — requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant to sustain life.
Early detection and appropriate treatment, however, can slow or even halt CKD progression.
Key Facts about Chronic Kidney Disease
- CKD progresses silently — most patients don’t experience symptoms until the disease is advanced.
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death among people with CKD.
- Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is the best indicator of kidney function.
- High blood pressure both causes and worsens CKD.
- Persistent protein in urine (proteinuria) signals kidney damage.
- High-risk groups: diabetics, hypertensive patients, elderly individuals, and those with a family history of kidney disease.
At PACE Hospitals, routine screening for these risk factors is part of our Preventive Kidney Health Program.
What Causes Chronic Kidney Disease?
The two most common culprits are:
1. Diabetes Mellitus
High blood sugar levels over time damage the delicate blood vessels and filters (nephrons) in the kidneys, impairing their ability to remove waste.
2. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Constant high pressure damages kidney vessels, thickens their walls, and reduces blood supply, accelerating CKD.
Additionally, CKD itself can worsen hypertension, creating a vicious cycle.
Other causes include:
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of kidney filters.
- Inherited diseases such as Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD).
- Congenital malformations in urinary tract development.
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Lupus nephritis).
- Obstructions from kidney stones, tumors, or enlarged prostate.
- Recurrent urinary infections.
PACE’s nephrology and radiology departments use ultrasound, CT, MRI, and advanced lab tests to identify the exact cause, ensuring personalized treatment.
Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
CKD often remains undetected in the early stages. However, as kidney function declines, common symptoms include:
- Persistent fatigue or low energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of appetite and nausea
- Muscle cramps, especially at night
- Swelling in feet, ankles, or around the eyes
- Dry, itchy skin
- Frequent urination, particularly at night
- •Shortness of breath or chest discomfort in advanced stages
Anyone experiencing these symptoms — especially those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or family history of kidney disease — should seek immediate evaluation.
How is CKD Diagnosed at PACE Hospitals?
- Blood Tests
- Serum Creatinine: Elevated levels indicate reduced kidney function.
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Measures waste accumulation.
- eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): Calculates filtration efficiency.
- Urine Tests
- Urine Albumin/Protein: Detects early kidney damage.
- Urinalysis: Identifies blood, infection, or abnormalities.
- Imaging
- Ultrasound / CT Scan: Evaluates kidney size, structure, and obstruction.
- Biopsy (if needed)
- Small tissue sample examined under a microscope to confirm diagnosis.
PACE’s Renal Function Panel integrates all these tests under one program for early detection and accurate staging.
Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease
CKD is divided into five stages based on eGFR (ml/min/1.73m²):
| Stage | Description | GFR Range | Treatment Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kidney damage with normal GFR | ≥90 | Identify & control risk factors |
| 2 | Mild loss of function | 60–89 | Monitor & manage BP/diabetes |
| 3a–3b | Moderate loss | 30–59 | Regular nephrology follow-up, diet modification |
| 4 | Severe loss | 15–29 | Prepare for dialysis or transplant |
| 5 | Kidney failure (ESRD) | <15 | Dialysis or transplant required |
How is Chronic Kidney Disease Managed?
- Control the Underlying Cause
- Maintain blood sugar (HbA1c <7%) for diabetics.
- Keep blood pressure <130/80 mmHg using ACE inhibitors or ARBs.
- Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications
- Low-sodium diet to manage BP.
- Protein moderation to reduce kidney strain.
- Avoid processed foods, red meats, and aerated drinks.
- Increase fruits and vegetables (under doctor’s guidance).
- Maintain healthy weight and quit smoking.
- Medications
- Erythropoietin for anemia
- Phosphate binders and vitamin D analogs for bone health
- Diuretics to reduce swelling
- Dialysis
For end-stage CKD (Stage 5), dialysis becomes necessary:
- Hemodialysis (HD): Performed at PACE’s state-of-the-art dialysis centers.
- Peritoneal Dialysis (PD): Home-based alternative for select patients.
- Kidney Transplantation
- For suitable candidates, kidney transplant offers the best long-term quality of life.
PACE Hospitals’ Transplant Unit provides both living donor and deceased donor programs, supported by multidisciplinary pre-transplant evaluation and post-transplant care.
Preventing CKD Progression
- Control diabetes and hypertension diligently.
- Get regular kidney screening if at high risk.
- Stay hydrated, but avoid overhydration.
- Avoid overuse of painkillers (NSAIDs) and unverified herbal medicines.
- Manage urinary tract infections promptly.
- Maintain a balanced diet and active lifestyle.
PACE Hospitals promotes Kidney Health Awareness Clinics, offering screening camps and education programs to prevent CKD in the community.
Cost of CKD Treatment at PACE Hospitals Hyderabad
| Service / Package | Estimated Cost (INR) | Estimated Cost (USD) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kidney Screening Package | ₹2,500 – ₹4,500 | $30 – $55 | Urine, Blood, Ultrasound |
| CKD Management Plan | ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 | $95 – $180 | Labs, Nephrologist, Diet, ECG |
| Hemodialysis (per session) | ₹2,200 – ₹3,500 | $25 – $42 | 4-hour session, disposables |
| Peritoneal Dialysis (monthly) | ₹35,000 – ₹50,000 | $420 – $600 | Fluid, supplies, monitoring |
| Kidney Transplant (package) | ₹7.5 – ₹10 lakh | $9,000 – $12,000 | Surgery, stay, medications |
💡 Cashless insurance and government health schemes are accepted at PACE Hospitals.
Why Choose PACE Hospitals Hyderabad for Kidney Care?
- Comprehensive Nephrology Centre: CKD, dialysis, transplant, and preventive screening under one roof.
- Expert Nephrologists: Experienced doctors specializing in CKD, AKI, and transplant medicine.
- Advanced Dialysis Units: Equipped with high-efficiency HD machines and infection-control protocols.
- 24×7 Emergency & Critical Care Support.
- Ethical, patient-focused approach emphasizing education and long-term monitoring.
FAQs on Chronic Kidney Disease Facts
What causes CKD?
The main causes are diabetes and hypertension, followed by glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, infections, and urinary obstructions.
What are early signs of CKD?
Fatigue, swelling in feet or eyes, dry skin, poor appetite, frequent urination, and muscle cramps are common warning signs.
Can CKD be reversed?
While CKD is not fully reversible, early diagnosis and treatment can slow or stop its progression.
What is the treatment for advanced CKD?
Treatment may involve medications, dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis), or kidney transplantation.
What is the cost of CKD treatment in Hyderabad?
At PACE Hospitals, CKD management ranges from ₹2,500–₹15,000, dialysis from ₹2,200/session, and transplant around ₹7.5–₹10 lakh.
What is chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
CKD is the gradual loss of kidney function over time, leading to waste buildup, fluid imbalance, and risk of complications like anemia and heart disease.
How is CKD diagnosed?
Blood (creatinine, eGFR) and urine (protein, albumin) tests, along with ultrasound, are key diagnostic tools used at PACE Hospitals.
How many stages are there in CKD?
Five stages — from mild damage (Stage 1) to kidney failure (Stage 5). eGFR determines each stage’s severity.
Why choose PACE Hospitals for kidney care?
PACE offers expert nephrologists, advanced dialysis units, transplant programs, and preventive CKD screening — ensuring comprehensive kidney health.
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