Your Questions About Chronic Kidney Disease, Answered

Long-term reduction in kidney function, graded by filtration rate and protein leak.

Key takeaways

• Measured by: eGFR and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR)
• Stages: G1 to G5 by eGFR, A1 to A3 by ACR
• Most useful single change: Control blood pressure and blood glucose; they drive most progression.
• Commonest mistake: Regular NSAIDs such as ibuprofen without medical advice.
• See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Long-term reduction in kidney function, graded by filtration rate and protein leak.

Why does it matter?

It is common, usually symptomless until advanced, and most of its harm is cardiovascular rather than renal.

Measured by for Chronic Kidney Disease?

EGFR and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR).

Commonest causes for Chronic Kidney Disease?

Diabetes and high blood pressure.

Main risk for Chronic Kidney Disease?

Cardiovascular disease, more than dialysis.

Most people with early CKD for Chronic Kidney Disease?

Never progress to kidney failure.

What is the single most useful thing to do?

Control blood pressure and blood glucose; they drive most progression.

What is the most common mistake?

Regular NSAIDs such as ibuprofen without medical advice.

When should I see a doctor?

Seek urgent medical help for passing much less urine than usual, swelling of the legs or face with breathlessness, or confusion and drowsiness. Contact a GP promptly for blood in the urine, frothy urine, or a rapid fall in eGFR. Stop metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, ARBs and diuretics during dehydrating illness and seek advice.

Where to go next

• Chronic Kidney Disease in Five Minutes
• The Evidence on Chronic Kidney Disease, Without the Hype
• Chronic Kidney Disease — the reference entry
• What the Guidance Really Says About Kidney Stones
• Kidney Infection: Sorting the Evidence From the Noise

When to speak to a doctor

Seek urgent medical help for passing much less urine than usual, swelling of the legs or face with breathlessness, or confusion and drowsiness. Contact a GP promptly for blood in the urine, frothy urine, or a rapid fall in eGFR. Stop metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, ARBs and diuretics during dehydrating illness and seek advice.

Where this comes from

• NICE — Chronic kidney disease: assessment and management
• Kidney Care UK — understanding CKD

How this page was put together

Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.

Medical disclaimer

This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.