Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, means the kidneys are not filtering blood as well as they should over a long period of time. The kidneys help remove waste, balance fluids, and regulate blood pressure.
Common causes
Diabetes and high blood pressure are common causes of CKD. Other causes include kidney inflammation, inherited kidney disease, urinary blockage, repeated infections, and some medications or toxins.
Why it can be silent
Early CKD may not cause obvious symptoms. Later stages can cause swelling, fatigue, nausea, changes in urination, high blood pressure, anemia, or bone and mineral problems.
CKD is usually monitored with blood tests, urine tests, blood pressure, and attention to the condition causing kidney damage.