• Post By - Dr .Deval Patel Hospital
• Post Date - 2025-05-17

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Awareness, prevention, and management

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys lose their ability to function properly over time. Millions of people around the world suffer from CKD, and many remain undiagnosed until the disease has progressed significantly. Spreading awareness is the first step towards prevention and better management.

Understanding CKD:

Your kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste, balancing fluids, and regulating blood pressure. CKD occurs when this filtering process becomes impaired for more than three months. If left untreated, CKD can lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a transplant.

Causes and Risk Factors:

The leading causes of CKD include:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure (Hypertension)
• Heart disease
• Family history of kidney problems
• Prolonged use of painkillers or certain medications

Warning Signs:

CKD often develops silently, with symptoms appearing only in later stages. Common signs include:

• Swelling in the feet and ankles
• Fatigue and weakness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in urination (frequency or appearance)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Persistent itching

Prevention Tips:

• Control blood sugar and blood pressure
• Stay hydrated with clean water
• Limit salt and processed foods
• Avoid excessive use of painkillers or self-medication
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
• Go for routine health check-ups, especially if you’re at risk

Managing CKD:

Early detection through regular screenings can slow the progression of CKD. Lifestyle changes, medications, and medical supervision play a key role. Patients in later stages may require specialized treatments like dialysis or a kidney transplant.