Kidney disease

Kidney disease (also called renal disease or chronic kidney disease – CKD) refers to conditions that affect how well your kidneys work. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste, balancing electrolytes, regulating blood pressure, and producing certain hormones.

Kidney disease often develops slowly, and in the early stages, many people may not notice any symptoms. As the condition progresses, one of the first signs is usually changes in urination, such as passing urine more or less often than usual, noticing blood in the urine, or having urine that appears foamy due to excess protein. Swelling in the ankles, feet, hands, or face is another common symptom, caused by the kidneys’ inability to remove extra fluid and salt from the body. People may also experience constant fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating because the kidneys are not filtering waste products properly, leading to a buildup of toxins in the blood. Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting may occur, along with persistent itching and muscle cramps. High blood pressure is both a cause and a result of kidney disease and can worsen the condition over time. In more advanced stages, shortness of breath or chest pain may develop as fluid collects in the lungs or around the heart. Because these symptoms are often nonspecific, kidney disease can remain undetected until significant damage has occurred.