Chrinic kidney disease (CKD) is a term used to describe several diseases and disorders that can affect yourkidneys. The majority of these diseases will affect the the nephrons (filters) and reduce their ability to remove waste and excess fluids.

CKD is where kidney damage or a decreased level of kidney function lasts for three months or more. It is often classified into five stages which indicate the severity of damage and / or the decrese in kidney function.

Common causes of CKD

• Allport syndrome
• Diabetes
• Childhood nephrotic syndro,e
• Glomerulonephritis
• Hemolytic uraemic syndrome
• High blood pressure
• Kidney stones
• Polycyctic kidney disease
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
• Wilm's tumour

Early detection and prevention

Sometimes even people with serious kidney disease may not have any symptoms. That is why a blood or urine test may be necessary to check for kidney problems. However, the signs and symptoms listed below may indicate kidney disease and if they are present, a medical assessment to check out the kidneys would be advisable.

Signs and symptoms

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Puffiness of the eyes, hands and feet
• Passage of bloody, cloudy or tea-coloured urine
• Presence of protein in the urine (uremia)
• Excessive foaming of the urine
• Frequent passing of urine during the night
• Passing less urine or difficulty passing urine
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite or weight
• Persistent generalized itching