Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Facts: Causes, Symptoms & Prevention Explained
PACE Hospitals
Written by: Editorial Team
Medically reviewed by: Dr. A Kishore Kumar - Consultant Nephrologist and Renal Transplant Physician
Introduction
Your kidneys are your body's natural filtration system — eliminating toxins, maintaining fluid balance, and controlling blood pressure, bone health, and red blood cell (RBC) production. But when the kidneys begin to lose function gradually, the result is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) — a silent but deadly health disease that affects millions around the world.
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 illness in which the kidneys eventually 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:
Diabetes Mellitus
Persistent high blood sugar eventually harms the weak blood arteries and filters (nephrons) in the kidneys, impairing their ability to properly eliminate waste.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Chronic high blood pressure (hypertension) damages kidney blood vessels, thickens their walls, and reduces blood flow, accelerating chronic kidney disease (CKD). Moreover, CKD can further worsen hypertension, creating a vicious cycle.
Other Causes Include:
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney filters.
- Inherited diseases like 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 determine the exact cause, ensuring individualized treatment.
Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
CKD can sometimes be undetectable in its early stages. Common symptoms of decreased kidney function include:
- persistent fatigue
- Concentration is difficult
- loss of appetite and nausea
- Muscle cramps, especially at night
- Swelling in the 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 (hypertension), or a family history of kidney disease — should seek immediate evaluation.
How is CKD Diagnosed at PACE Hospitals?
- Blood Tests
- Serum Creatinine: Elevated levels suggest that the kidneys are not efficiently clearing waste from the blood, which may indicate impaired kidney function.
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood; higher values can point to reduced kidney efficiency or dehydration.
- eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): Measures how well the kidneys eliminate waste and excess fluid from the blood. A lower value indicates weakened renal function.
- Urine Tests
- Urine albumin/protein test detects early indicators of kidney disease.
- Urinalysis: A test to detect blood, illness, or other issues in the urine.
- Imaging Tests
- Ultrasound or CT Scan: Determines kidney size, shape, and obstruction
- Kidney biopsy (if needed)
- A small sample of kidney tissue is collected and examined under a microscope to determine the exact source of the condition.
PACE’s Renal Function Panel integrates all these tests under one program for early diagnosis and accurate staging.
Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease(CKD) is divided into 5 stages based on eGFR (ml/min/1.73m²):
| Stage | Description | GFR Range | Treatment Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kidney damage with a normal glomerular filtration rate(GFR) | ≥90 | Identify & control risk factors |
| 2 | Mild loss of function | 60–89 | Monitor and manage BP(blood pressure)/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
- Keep your blood sugar
- under control, with an HbA1c level below 7%.
- Take medicines like ACE inhibitors or ARBs (as your doctor advises) to keep your blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg.
Lifestyle & Dietary Modifications
- Low-sodium diet to manage blood pressure(BP)
- Protein moderation to alleviate kidney damage.
- Avoid processed foods, red meats, and aerated drinks.
- Increase fruits and vegetables (under doctor’s guidance).
- Maintain a healthy weight and quit smoking.
PACE’s renal dietitians design personalized meal plans for CKD stages 1–5.
Medications
- Erythropoietin for anemia
- Phosphate binders and vitamin D analogues for bone health
- Diuretics to reduce swelling
Dialysis
Dialysis is required in end-stage chronic kidney disease(CKD) (Stage 5):
- 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, a kidney transplant offers the best long-term quality of life.
PACE Hospitals' Transplant Unit offers programs for both living and deceased donors, as well as comprehensive 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(USG) |
| CKD Management Plan | ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 | $95 – $180 | Labs, Nephrologist, Diet, and ECG |
| Hemodialysis (per session) | ₹2,200 – ₹3,500 | $25 – $42 | 4-hour session, disposables |
| Peritoneal Dialysis (monthly) | ₹35,000 – ₹50,000 | $420 – $600 | Fluids, supplies, and 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, & preventive screening under one roof.
- Expert Nephrologists: Experienced doctors specializing in CKD, AKI, and transplant medicine.
- Advanced Dialysis Units: Featuring high-efficiency HD machines and infection-control procedures.
- 24×7 Emergency and Critical Care Support.
- An ethical, patient-centred approach that emphasises 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 the early signs of CKD?
Fatigue, swelling in the 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 detection and management 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 costs around ₹7.5–₹10 lakh.
What is chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the gradual decrease of kidney function over time, which causes waste buildup, fluid imbalance, and an increased risk of consequences such as 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.
How can CKD be prevented?
Control blood sugar, maintain normal BP, eat a low-salt diet, stay hydrated, and avoid unnecessary painkillers.
Why choose PACE Hospitals for kidney care?
PACE offers expert nephrologists, advanced dialysis units, transplant programs, and preventive screening.
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