Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition characterized by progressive damage to the kidneys, leading to a gradual loss of renal function over time. It is defined as either kidney damage or a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) below 60 mL/min/1.73 m² for at least three months. CKD impairs the kidneys' ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, resulting in accumulation of toxins and fluid imbalance in the body. Common causes include diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Early stages may be asymptomatic, but as the disease progresses, symptoms such as fatigue, swelling in the legs and feet, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and changes in urination may develop. If left untreated, CKD can advance to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. Diagnosis is based on GFR measurement and evidence of kidney damage. Management focuses on slowing disease progression through control of underlying conditions, lifestyle modifications, medications, and regular monitoring.