An introduction to chronic kidney disease

CKD is common, especially as people get older. Many people live for years with mild to moderate CKD without it causing problems. But it’s important to keep an eye on it.

What are the stages of CKD?

There are five stages of CKD. They show how well your kidneys are working. These stages are based on something called your eGFR – a number from a blood test that shows how much blood your kidneys can filter each minute.

• Stage 1–2: Kidney function is still fairly normal. You might not notice any problems.
• Stage 3: Kidney function is reduced. This stage is split into 3a and 3b. Most people don’t have symptoms, but this is when monitoring becomes more important.
• Stage 4: Your kidneys are working less well. You may start to notice symptoms.
• Stage 5: This is the most severe stage. It’s also called kidney failure or renal failure.

Most people with CKD using Aide will have Stage 3, or possibly Stage 4.

What causes CKD?

CKD often develops over time due to other long-term conditions. The most common risk factors are:

• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease and strokes
• A family history of kidney disease

Some people have CKD due to structural problems or underlying kidney conditions. These include polycystic kidney disease, kidney stones, or inflammation of the kidneys (called glomerulonephritis).

How serious is it?

CKD can get worse over time, especially if it isn’t managed. But many people with CKD stay at the same stage for years.

If it does progress, it can lead to serious problems such as:

• A build-up of fluid in your body
• Anaemia (low red blood cells)
• Bone problems
• Heart disease
• Kidney failure (in later stages)

That’s why it’s important to manage the condition early and monitor for any changes.‍


Medicines and CKD

If you're living with CKD, your kidneys may not process medicines the same way as before. This means your doctor might change the type or dose of medicine you take, even if you’ve been on it for a while.

You may also be asked to avoid certain medicines that can be hard on the kidneys. For example, some anti-inflammatory painkillers (like ibuprofen) can cause further damage if taken too often.

It’s important to:

• Take all medicines exactly as prescribed
• Let your healthcare team know if you’re taking anything over the counter, including supplements
• Report any new symptoms or side effects
• Bring an up-to-date list of your medicines to all appointments

Your healthcare team will review your medicines regularly to make sure they are working for you and are safe for your level of kidney function.

How is CKD managed?

There’s no cure for CKD, but you can take steps to slow it down. These include:

• Managing blood pressure and blood sugar (if you have hypertension or diabetes)
• Managing your cholesterol and heart risk, usually with statins
• Taking medicines exactly as prescribed
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Reducing salt and processed foods
• Keeping active
• Stopping smoking
• Attending regular check-ups

You will also need regular blood and urine tests to check how your kidneys are working.