Community-based studies and systematic reviews report a pooled Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) prevalence around 13 -16% among Indian adults, with some studies showing a range from 4% to over 20% depending on the population and methodology used. Many don’t even know they have it. The disease affects about 15% of adults in the US – a number far bigger than most people think.
Chronic Kidney Disease is an asymptomatic disease for the most part and lesser can sneak up without any warning signs until it becomes severe. Your body might start showing signs that affect your daily life. These include feeling tired all the time, swollen limbs, foamy urine, and skin that won’t stop itching. But you can manage this condition better with the right medical help and lifestyle changes.
Recognizing the Signs: From Subtle to Serious
Kidney disease sneaks up without warning signs, making it dangerous for many people. Most other health conditions show clear symptoms, but chronic kidney disease (CKD) stays hidden until the damage becomes substantial. Medical experts have found that about 90% of adults who have CKD don’t realize they’re affected.
Common symptoms that indicate kidney problems
Your body might be sending signals about kidney problems that you’re missing. People often notice changes in how often they urinate, especially more frequent bathroom trips at night (nocturia). This broken sleep pattern leaves them tired and unfocused during daytime hours.
The symptoms become more obvious as time passes:
- Swelling in extremities – Your kidneys aren’t removing extra fluid properly when you see puffy eyes, swollen ankles, feet, or hands
- Persistent fatigue – Toxins build up and cause weakness when your kidneys can’t filter waste properly
- Foamy urine – You might have protein leakage (proteinuria) if bubbles need multiple flushes to clear
- Itchy, dry skin – This often points to mineral imbalance from advanced kidney disease
How chronic kidney disease is different from acute kidney injury
The right treatment depends on whether you have chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury (AKI). These conditions show vital differences in how they develop and what happens afterward.
Chronic kidney disease takes months or years to develop, usually because of ongoing conditions like diabetes or hypertension. Acute kidney injury happens much faster—within hours or days—usually triggered by specific events such as dehydration, blood loss, medications, or infections.
These conditions connect in important ways. Studies shows that having chronic kidney disease makes you up to 10 times more likely to get acute kidney injury. On top of that, even mild cases of acute kidney injury can lead to chronic kidney disease later, which creates a dangerous cycle.
Getting Diagnosed: What Your Test Results Mean
A proper diagnosis is crucial in starting your treatment and management. Doctors use two main tests to review kidney function and determine treatment steps at the time they suspect kidney problems.
Understanding GFR and creatinine levels
The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) remains the gold standard to assess kidney function. This measurement shows how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood. A blood test that checks creatinine—a waste product from muscle breakdown—helps calculate your GFR.
Most adults with a GFR of 90 or higher have normal kidney function. Numbers between 60-89 point to mild kidney damage. Values below 60 could mean significant chronic kidney disease. A GFR of 15 or lower signals kidney failure that may even warrant initiation of dialysis or transplant.
Doctor checks albumin in your urine because healthy kidneys do not leak protein. High levels (above 30 mg/g) usually mean kidney damage.
The five stages of chronic kidney disease explained
GFR readings help classify kidney disease progression into five stages:
- Stage 1: GFR 90+ with evidence of kidney damage (e.g., protein in urine)—kidneys still functioning at 90-100%
- Stage 2: GFR 60-89 with kidney damage—kidneys functioning at 60-89%
- Stage 3a: GFR 45-59—mild to moderate loss of function (45-59%)
- Stage 3b: GFR 30-44—moderate to severe loss (30-44%)
- Stage 4: GFR 15-29—severe function loss (15-29%)
- Stage 5: GFR below 15—kidney failure (<15%)
Questions to ask your doctor about your diagnosis-
After getting your diagnosis, you should ask your doctor:
- “What’s my current GFR, and what stage of kidney disease does that indicate?”
- “What caused my kidney disease?”
- “How can I prevent further kidney damage?”
- “What dietary changes should I make?”
- “What medications should I avoid?”
Daily Life with Chronic Kidney Disease
Creating a kidney-friendly meal plan
Dietary changes are an important component of care after a chronic kidney disease diagnosis. Your kidney-friendly diet should limit sodium, potassium, and phosphorus based on your disease stage. A registered dietitian who specializes in kidney disease can help create tailored meal plans with foods you enjoy.
To prepare better meals:
- Choose fresh foods over processed options to reduce sodium intake
- Flavor dishes with herbs and spices instead of salt
- Prepare meals at home to control ingredients
Balancing medications and monitoring side effects
Taking medications exactly as prescribed is vital to manage chronic kidney disease. You might need several medications, including blood pressure medicines, phosphate binders, or medications for anemia.
Pill organizers or medication apps help ensure consistency. Keep a complete list of all medications, including over-the-counter products and supplements, to share with your healthcare providers.
Watch out for potential side effects. Reduced kidney function increases the risk of medication-related problems. This requires careful monitoring of volume status, potassium levels, and kidney function.
Maintaining social connections while managing your health
Normal activities and treatment requirements need careful balance. Kidney disease can feel overwhelming, but strong social connections boost emotional well-being.
You can plan kidney-friendly activities with loved ones. Movie nights, dinner parties with suitable foods, or outdoor activities work well. The stresses of kidney disease are real—build a support network of family and friends who understand what you need.
Advanced Treatment Approaches from Specialists
Your remaining kidney function needs specialized treatment as chronic kidney disease progresses. A qualified nephrologist might suggest options beyond medication and lifestyle changes.
The right time to start dialysis
Doctor might recommend dialysis when your kidney function drops by a lot. This happens when your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) falls below 15. Nephrologist will assess symptoms that match advanced kidney disease and determine if dialysis could help, rather than just looking at lab numbers.
These are the two main types of dialysis:
- Hemodialysis: A machine filters your blood to remove waste products and extra fluids. Treatment takes four hours, three times a week, either at a dialysis center or at home.
- Peritoneal dialysis: The process uses a catheter to put dialysis solution in your abdomen that cleans waste. You can do this at home through daily exchanges or overnight with a cycling machine.
New treatments that slow disease progression
Medical breakthroughs now give us hope to slow kidney disease progression. SGLT2 inhibitors are game-changing medications first created to treat diabetes. These drugs have shown significant results in preventing kidney failure, whatever your diabetes status.
Blood pressure control, cholesterol management, and mineral balance treatments help protect kidney function. The Best Kidney Hospital in Delhi’s specialists creates customized treatment plans that combine these approaches.
Getting ready for transplantation
Kidney transplantation is the best way to treat advanced kidney disease for many patients, as it provides better quantity and quality of life compared to dialysis. The assessment process takes several months. A transplant team works with you, including a surgeon, nephrologist, coordinator, and other specialists who check your:
- Medical and surgical history
- Current physical condition
- Psychological readiness
- Blood and tissue compatibility
Transplant kidneys come from living donors (usually family) or deceased donors. The one year survival rate is 99% and five-year survival rate is about 90% .
Best Kidney Disease Hospital in Delhi – Epitome Hospitals
For advanced kidney care in Delhi, Epitome Hospitals is a leading center specializing in chronic kidney disease (CKD) management, dialysis, and kidney transplants. Recognized as the Best Kidney Disease Hospital in Delhi, Epitome Hospitals offers:
- Comprehensive CKD treatment with personalized care plans.
- Advanced dialysis services using cutting-edge technology.
- Kidney transplant in Delhi with high success rates and expert surgical teams.
- Best nephrologists in Delhi providing expert diagnosis and treatment.
- 24/7 critical care support for kidney-related emergencies.
If you’re looking for specialized kidney treatment in Delhi NCR, Epitome Hospitals delivers remarkable medical expertise with compassionate care.
Conclusion
Managing chronic kidney disease requires early detection, expert medical care, and lifestyle changes. With the right approach, you can slow disease progression and maintain a good quality of life.
For top-tier kidney treatment in Delhi NCR, consult the best nephrologists in Delhi at Epitome Hospitals, the Best Kidney Disease Hospital in Delhi. Whether you need dialysis, CKD management, or a kidney transplant in Delhi, their experienced specialists provide advanced, patient-centric care.
Take charge of your kidney health today—schedule a consultation at Epitome Hospitals for expert guidance and personalized treatment.
FAQs
Q1. How can I combat fatigue associated with chronic kidney disease?
Regular physical activity, even in moderate amounts, can significantly improve fatigue. Consult with your doctor about safe exercise options. Ensure you’re getting adequate sleep and consider speaking with a nutritionist about dietary changes that may boost your energy levels.
Q2. What are common symptoms of chronic kidney disease to watch out for?
Be alert for changes in urination patterns, persistent fatigue, swelling in extremities, foamy urine, and itchy, dry skin. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, muscle cramps, and a metallic taste in food.
Q3. When should dialysis be considered for chronic kidney disease?
Dialysis is typically considered when kidney function drops significantly, usually when the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) falls below 15. However, the decision is based on both lab values and the presence of symptoms associated with advanced kidney disease.