What Is Chronic Kidney Disease? A Clear Overview

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the gradual, usually permanent loss of kidney function over months or years. The kidneys filter waste and extra fluid from the blood; as they fail, waste builds up and affects the whole body. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of CKD in India. Other causes include inflammation of the kidney filters, recurrent kidney stones, and some inherited conditions. CKD is usually silent in its early stages. That is why testing by risk — rather than waiting for symptoms — matters so much. A blood creatinine test (turned into an eGFR) and a urine protein test are enough to detect it. While most CKD cannot be reversed, its progression can often be slowed considerably with blood-pressure and blood-sugar control, medication, and diet. Early detection is the single biggest factor in a better outcome.