What is ckd in medical terms

Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic Kidney Disease, commonly abbreviated as CKD, is a progressive condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess water from the blood over time. CKD is defined by the presence of kidney damage or an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² that persists for 3 months or longer. Unlike acute kidney injury, which develops suddenly, CKD develops slowly and can progress over many years without noticeable symptoms.

Causes of CKD

The most common causes of CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension). Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in adults, accounting for a significant proportion of CKD cases. High blood pressure is the second leading cause, as it damages the blood vessels in the kidneys over time. Other causes include glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the filtering units), polycystic kidney disease, recurrent kidney infections, and prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract.

Stages of CKD

CKD is classified into five stages based on glomerular filtration rate (eGFR):

• Stage 1: eGFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m² (kidney damage but normal function)
• Stage 2: eGFR 60-89 (mild loss of kidney function)
• Stage 3a: eGFR 45-59 (mild to moderate loss of kidney function)
• Stage 3b: eGFR 30-44 (moderate to severe loss of kidney function)
• Stage 4: eGFR 15-29 (severe loss of kidney function)
• Stage 5: eGFR < 15 (kidney failure, end-stage renal disease)

Symptoms and Complications

In early stages (1-3), most people have no symptoms and kidney disease is only detected through blood pressure checks and lab tests. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, swelling in legs and ankles, shortness of breath, and difficulty concentrating. Complications of advanced CKD include anemia, bone disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, and electrolyte imbalances.

Management and Treatment

While there is no cure for CKD, treatment focuses on slowing progression and managing complications. The most important step is controlling blood pressure, typically through medications like ACE inhibitors or ARBs. Managing diabetes through proper blood sugar control is also critical. Treatment may also include medications to manage anemia, bone disease, and cholesterol levels. Lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake, limiting protein consumption, maintaining healthy weight, and regular exercise can help slow CKD progression.