Chronic Kidney Disease: When Kidneys Fail Silently
850 million people affected worldwide
Dr. Rachid Hamidi
Nephrologist
In simple terms
Chronic kidney disease often progresses without symptoms for years. Diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes.
The vital role of the kidneys
The kidneys filter 180 liters of blood per day, eliminating waste and excess fluid. They also regulate blood pressure, red blood cell production, and bone metabolism. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops when the kidneys gradually lose their filtering capacity.
Main causes
Diabetes (40% of cases) and high blood pressure (25%) are the two leading causes of CKD worldwide. Glomerulonephritis, chronic pyelonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, and abuse of anti-inflammatories are other common causes.
Silent progression
CKD is divided into 5 stages according to the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Stages 1 to 3 are often asymptomatic. Symptoms appear late: fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, edema, itching, anemia. At stage 5 (GFR < 15 ml/min), dialysis or kidney transplantation become necessary.
Prevention and treatment
Control diabetes and hypertension, limit salt and animal proteins, quit smoking, avoid nephrotoxic agents (NSAIDs). SGLT2 inhibitors (dapagliflozin) have shown significant renal benefit, slowing CKD progression. Screening by creatinine measurement and proteinuria testing is essential in at-risk individuals.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Chronic
- A problem that lasts a long time, usually more than three months, and often comes back.
- Inflammation
- The body's reaction to injury or irritation: redness, swelling, heat or pain.
- Symptom
- A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
- Metabolism
- How your body turns food into energy and builds or repairs itself.
- Blood pressure
- The force of blood pushing against your artery walls. Too high, over years, damages the heart and vessels.
- Prevention
- Steps taken before a problem starts, to make it less likely.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Chronic Kidney Disease: When Kidneys Fail Silently?
- Chronic kidney disease often progresses without symptoms for years. Diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Chronic Kidney Disease: When Kidneys Fail Silently?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Chronic Kidney Disease: When Kidneys Fail Silently?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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