Skip to main content
    Thrive On

    Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

    Reviewed by Medical Contributor Dinesh K. Chatoth, MD, FASN on September 20, 2023.
    Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that happens when your kidneys don’t remove waste, toxins, and extra fluids from your body as they should. The word “chronic” means the condition is ongoing, so you will need long-term medical care to look after your health. Kidney disease develops in five stages. Over time, kidney disease may lead to end stage renal disease (ESRD), also known as end stage kidney disease (ESKD). This is when your kidneys no longer work on their own and you’ll need to consider treatment options.

    The goal of treating CKD is to best control your health at every stage. This can help slow the decline and keep your kidneys working as long as possible. When you and your nephrologist (kidney doctor) agree that it’s time to start treatment, you have options to choose from—including a kidney transplant or dialysis. These options can help people live well for many years.
    woman looking at web page
    Free kidney health class
    Learn about the signs and symptoms of kidney disease and what you can expect. Take our free online class for educational tips and resources.
    Start learning

    10 Facts about CKD

    About 14% of US adults have CKD—that’s about 37 million people.

    In the United States, diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney failure, accounting for 2 out of 3 new cases.
    Most people are born with two kidneys, and you only need one to live a healthy life.
    Early detection and treatment is key. 9 out of 10 adults with CKD do not know they have it.
    Chronic kidney disease progresses in five stages and could lead to kidney failure.
    The progression of CKD may be slowed by following a kidney-friendly diet, managing medications, seeing a kidney doctor, and making healthy lifestyle choices.
    Kidney disease affects people of all ages, though people 60 and over are more likely to develop it.
    People who are affected by social, economic, or environmental inequalities may have a higher risk of CKD and other health issues.
    Many people with kidney disease are choosing to treat at home—about 77,000 in 2020.
    About 25,000 people a year receive a kidney transplant. These transplants come from the kidney transplant waitlist or from a living donor, like a family member or friend who is a match.
    CKD signs and symptoms.

    What are the signs and symptoms of CKD?

    Kidney disease is hard to detect early because many people do not experience symptoms until the later stages. CKD symptoms and signs may include changes in urination, fatigue, itching, back pain, or swelling of your hands or feet. The best way to understand your kidney health is by requesting a blood test from your doctor to measure your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Your eGFR is a measurement of how well your kidneys function to remove waste, toxins, and extra fluid from your body. Knowing your eGFR will help your doctor determine if you have kidney disease and what stage of kidney disease you may be in.
    Find out about kidney disease symptoms
    transparent-100x1
    transparent-100x1

    Are you at risk for CKD?

    There are certain factors that put you at a higher risk for CKD, including your family history, certain health conditions, overuse of certain medications, and being a member of a historically marginalized group. Take action—early diagnosis is key! Talk to your doctor about getting screened for CKD if you have any known risk factors, including diabetes or high blood pressure.

    Know the CKD risk factors
    transparent-100x1
    transparent-100x1

    What causes CKD?

    There are many factors that can contribute to kidney disease—most commonly, diabetes and high blood pressure. There may also be other causes of CKD that can affect anyone, even if they have no known health issues.
    Discover CKD causes
    transparent-100x1
    transparent-100x1

    How is chronic kidney disease diagnosed?

    Early detection is key to slowing the progression of CKD and preserving your kidney function. Make testing a priority! If you’re at risk for CKD, talk to your doctor about monitoring your kidney health. Your doctor can determine if you have kidney disease by calculating your eGFR. This is done by looking at the results of certain blood and urine tests that your doctor may order, as well as other health information about you. If you have symptoms or have been diagnosed with kidney disease, talk to your doctor about a referral to see a nephrologist (kidney doctor)—the most qualified doctor to help you manage your kidney health.

    Get information about CKD diagnosis and testing
    transparent-100x1

    Early diagnosis is key when it comes to CKD, so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms and risk factors. Although a CKD diagnosis may leave you feeling uncertain about the future, always remember that you have options when it comes to managing your health. Working closely with a nephrologist and other members of your care team can help you live a happy and active life for years to come.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Chronic Kidney Disease, CKD

    People with kidney disease should be cautious about alcohol consumption, as it can put extra strain on their kidneys. Over time, this can negatively impact kidney function and potentially lead to other health problems like high blood pressure.

    Learn more

    Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is categorized into five stages based on kidney function. Your stage is determined by your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which measures kidney efficiency. The aim at each stage is to take steps to slow CKD progression and maintain kidney function for as long as possible.

    Learn more

    • Changes in urination
    • Feeling sick and tired
    • Swelling and fluid retention
    • A buildup of waste and toxins
    • Imbalanced nutrients


    Learn more

    While a kidney-friendly diet shares many similarities with a general healthy diet, individuals with CKD may need to adjust their food choices. When kidney function declines, waste and fluid can accumulate, leading to health issues. A well-balanced diet can help maintain kidney function and overall well-being.

    Learn more

    Your age, weight, family history, and overall health may put you at greater risk for CKD. If you have any of the risk factors described, be sure to talk to your doctor about your kidney health and get the screenings you need as soon as possible.

    Learn more

    Your kidneys and heart work together to keep you healthy and feeling your best. When one is impacted, it affects the other. If you are living with heart failure, you may be at risk for developing kidney disease and if living with kidney disease, you may be at risk for heart failure. In addition, when paired with congestive heart failure, the symptoms of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can worsen. To slow the progression of heart failure and kidney disease, it is important to understand the relationship between them and what actions you can take to protect your heart and kidney health.

    Learn more

    Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious but manageable health condition. Kidneys are vital organs that filter waste and extra fluids from your blood. When kidneys become damaged, they no longer filter waste and fluids as they should. If you have recently been diagnosed with CKD or are undergoing testing for it, you may ask yourself, “Can kidney disease be reversed?” Many people with CKD can slow its progression through medication, treatment, and lifestyle changes.

    Learn more

    Empowering Yourself: Taking Control of Your Kidney Health

    Early detection and proactive management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can make a significant difference in slowing its progression and improving your quality of life. By understanding your risk factors, monitoring symptoms, and working closely with a nephrologist, you can take control of your kidney health. Remember, a diagnosis of CKD is not the end—it's an opportunity to prioritize your well-being and explore your options like healthy lifestyle changes, dialysis treatments, or even kidney transplantation. Stay informed, stay proactive, and take the steps necessary to protect your kidneys for a healthier future.
    Know your GFR
    Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a measurement that indicates how well your kidneys are working. Knowing your eGFR can help you understand which CKD stage you’re in.
    Use our GFR calculator
    Understand­ing the stages of CKD

    There are five stages of CKD. Your stage is determined by your level of kidney function. Knowing  your stage and what steps to take can help you stay your healthiest.

    Learn about the stages
    Get our 
    e-newsletter

    Get the latest news in kidney care and delicious kidney-friendly recipes, plus inspiring stories from people living with kidney disease.

    Sign up now
    Understand­ing acute kidney injury
    Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden episode of kidney failure that occurs quickly over a short period of time. It’s important to recognize the differences between AKI and CKD.
    Learn more about AKI