Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Slowing kidney damage and planning ahead

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means the kidneys have been damaged or working less well for at least three months. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the commonest causes. CKD is often silent until it is advanced, so simple blood and urine tests are important if you are at risk. Treatment can slow its progress, and dialysis or a kidney transplant can replace kidney function if the kidneys fail.

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About CKD

What is chronic kidney disease?

Healthy kidneys filter waste and extra water from the blood, control blood pressure, keep bones healthy and help make red blood cells. In CKD this filtering slowly falls. Doctors grade CKD in five stages using the eGFR blood test and urine protein. Stage 5, also called kidney failure, needs dialysis or a transplant.

  • Main causes: diabetes and high blood pressure
  • Other causes: glomerulonephritis, stones, cysts, some painkillers
  • Early stages usually have no symptoms
  • Protein in the urine is an early warning
  • CKD raises the risk of heart disease

Detect

Creatinine, eGFR, urine test.

Protect

BP and sugar control.

Support

Diet and anaemia care.

Replace

Dialysis or transplant.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of CKD

Symptoms usually appear only in later stages.

Swelling

Of the feet, ankles or face.

Tiredness

Often due to anaemia.

Urine changes

Less urine, or frothy urine.

Night-time urination

Waking at night to pass urine.

Poor appetite

With nausea or a metallic taste.

Itching

Dry, itchy skin.

Breathlessness

From fluid build-up.

Muscle cramps

Especially at night.

Seek urgent care if: you have breathlessness, very little urine, confusion, chest pain or severe vomiting — these can be signs of advanced kidney failure. Call 0522-666-4444.

Diagnosis

How CKD is diagnosed

Simple blood and urine tests detect CKD early.

Blood tests

Creatinine and eGFR to measure kidney function.

Urine tests

Protein (albumin) and blood in the urine.

Ultrasound

Size and shape of the kidneys.

Other tests

Haemoglobin, calcium, phosphate and potassium.

Kidney biopsy

Sometimes, to find the exact cause.

Treatment

Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage and the cause.

Slowing progression

Treatment aims to protect remaining kidney function and lower heart risk. Your nephrologist adjusts medicines for blood pressure, sugar and urine protein, and treats complications such as anaemia and bone changes.

Blood pressure and sugar controlMedicines that reduce urine proteinTreatment for anaemia and bone health

Avoid

  • Painkillers like diclofenac or ibuprofen without advice
  • Unprescribed herbal medicines

Plan ahead

  • Discuss dialysis and transplant options early
  • Fistula surgery months before dialysis, if needed
Living with CKD

Everyday care

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Diet

A dietitian helps you plan salt, protein, potassium and fluid intake based on your stage and test results.

Blood pressure

Check your BP at home and keep it at the target your doctor sets.

Medicines

Tell every doctor you have CKD — some medicine doses need adjusting.

Contact us urgently if

  • Breathlessness
  • Very little or no urine
  • Chest pain or palpitations
  • Confusion or fits
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about kidney disease

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“If I pass urine normally, my kidneys are fine.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Urine output can stay normal even in advanced CKD. Blood tests show kidney function.

Myth

“Once dialysis starts, it can never stop.”

Tap to flip
Fact

In sudden (acute) kidney injury, dialysis may be temporary. In stage 5 CKD it continues unless a transplant is done.

Myth

“Herbal remedies repair kidneys.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Some herbal products can harm the kidneys. Ask your nephrologist first.

Your care team

Nephrologists

Nephrology and dialysis Kidney transplant Dietetics and nutrition
Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Creatinine and urine reports over time
  • Ultrasound reports
  • List of medicines, including painkillers

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need and the length of any hospital stay. Ask our team for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can CKD be reversed?

Damage already done usually cannot be reversed, but treatment can slow or stop further decline.

Who should get tested?

People with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, a family history of kidney disease, or long-term painkiller use.

What is eGFR?

An estimate of how well your kidneys filter, calculated from a creatinine blood test, age and sex.

When is dialysis needed?

Usually at stage 5, or when symptoms, fluid overload or blood chemistry cannot be controlled with medicines.

Glossary

Words you may hear

eGFRThe estimated filtering rate of the kidneys.
CreatinineA waste product measured in the blood.
AlbuminuriaProtein (albumin) in the urine.
AV fistulaA joined artery and vein used for dialysis.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Nephrology and dialysis Kidney transplant Kidney stones High blood pressure Health library

Diabetes or high blood pressure?

Get your kidneys checked. See a nephrologist at Charak Hospital or call 0522-666-4444.

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Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Department of Nephrology, Kidney Transplant & 24/7 Advance Dialysis Unit, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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