What causes chronic kidney disease?

The kidneys filter waste and help balance fluid, salts, and hormones. Persistent high pressure can strain the small blood vessels that supply this filtering system. Type 2 diabetes can damage those vessels and filtering units when blood glucose remains difficult to control. Other contributors include recurrent kidney inflammation, inherited cystic disorders, urinary blockage, repeated kidney infections, and some medicines or supplements when used inappropriately. Early kidney disease may cause no clear symptoms, so a urine test for protein and a blood test for kidney function can reveal changes before a person feels unwell.

If you have high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or a family history of kidney disease, ask about regular kidney checks. Take prescribed treatment as directed, attend monitoring appointments, and tell clinicians about all painkillers, supplements, and herbal products. Avoid frequent self-treatment with anti-inflammatory pain medicines unless a clinician says they are suitable. Do not sharply change fluid or salt intake without advice, because the right plan depends on kidney function and other conditions.

Seek prompt medical care for much less urine than usual, blood in the urine, new swelling around the eyes or ankles, severe vomiting, breathlessness, chest pain, or confusion. Sudden flank pain with fever may signal an urgent urinary or kidney problem. People with known kidney disease should seek advice early during dehydration, diarrhoea, vomiting, or an infection because kidney function can change quickly.

Ask how your blood pressure, glucose readings, urine protein, and kidney function are changing. Discuss medicine safety, monitoring intervals, nutrition, and which symptoms should lead you to contact the clinic urgently.