Kidney Disease

Overview

Kidney disease refers to a reduction in the kidneys' ability to filter waste and balance fluids in the body. It can be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term, often progressive), and is frequently linked to diabetes and high blood pressure.

Symptoms

Early kidney disease often has no symptoms. As it progresses: fatigue, swelling in the legs or around the eyes, changes in urination, difficulty concentrating, and nausea can occur.

Risk Factors

Diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of kidney disease, older age, obesity, smoking, and long-term use of certain medications (e.g. some painkillers).

Common Blood Tests

Serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) assess kidney function; urine tests for protein (albumin) also help detect early kidney damage.

Lifestyle Information

Managing blood pressure and blood sugar, staying hydrated, limiting excessive salt and protein if advised, avoiding overuse of certain painkillers, and not smoking all support kidney health.

When to seek medical advice

See a doctor if you have diabetes or high blood pressure and haven't had kidney function checked, or if you notice persistent swelling, fatigue, or changes in urination.

Sources