Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Recognising the Stages and Protecting Your Kidneys

November 24, 2025

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Recognising the Stages and Protecting Your Kidneys

Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
24 November, 2025

Kidney disease refers to improper functioning of the kidneys. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to a lasting condition that involves damage of the kidney due to multiple factors. In conditions like diabetes and hypertension, the kidneys undergo a lot of stress. If these conditions are not controlled, it can lead to complete damage of the nephrons – progressively leading to kidney failure and end stage kidney disease.Chronic kidney disease is an illness that is rarely known by many but also one that tends to creep in unannounced overtime. Since the kidneys do not often complain until their work has been highly diminished, many individuals tend to only find out that something is wrong after the disease has progressed much further. CKD does not have a cure but can be managed in later stages. Dialysis or a kidney transplant can be an option in severe cases. India has a high prevalence of CKD, as millions of individuals are diabetic, hypertensive or both.

Chronic Kidney Disease, Stages, Early Symptoms, Causes and Complications

When the kidneys begin to lose their function, they cannot filter waste from blood effectively, which leads to build up of toxins. The term ‘chronic’ refers to a prolonged time and when an individual gradually progresses towards kidney malfunctioning, it can lead to kidney failure and end stage kidney disease. Chronic Kidney Disease is classified under 5 stages depending on severity of symptoms exhibited and it ranges from mild to complete kidney failure. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is hence staged from 1 to 5 based on kidney function that is measured by Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR).

Stage 1 is normal or high GFR (≥90) with signs of kidney damage, while Stage 5 is kidney failure (<15) GFR. Stages 3 and 4 are subdivided into ‘a’ and ‘b’ to better define the degree of function loss (3a: 45-59 GFR; 3b: 30-44 GFR; 4: 15-29 GFR). This means a lower GFR is seen in advanced stages of kidney disease and a higher value is observed in the initial stages, as kidney function is still not adversely affected.

Causes of CKD

Chronic Kidney Disease can mostly be genetic. This condition can take numerous years to progress, as toxins take time to build and cause symptoms. Common conditions like Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus and other renal conditions like Glomerulo Nephritis, polycystic kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome etc are few of the reasons that lead to Chronic Kidney Disease.

Early Symptoms:

Frequent urination at night.
Tiredness, weakness and Fatigue.
Swelling of hands, feet and face.
Foamy urine

Other Symptoms: Loss of appetite, Shortness of breath, dry and itchy skin, difficulty in concentrating and with sleeping, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, high blood pressure.

Complications: Anaemia, brittle bone, gout, metabolic acidosis, high blood pressures leading to stroke in heart and brain, nerve damage, high potassium and oedema or fluid build up are some concerns, if CKD goes untreated.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Some helpful diagnosis tests include serum creatinine levels, glomerular filtration rate in blood, urine analysis for presence of protein, USG of abdomen, MRI, CT scans. In rare cases, kidney biopsies are advised. Treatment is not available for CKD, but managing blood glucose levels, avoiding unnecessary intake of pain killers that may affect kidney functioning, maintaining blood pressure, consuming a kidney friendly diet, controlling cholesterol, limiting sodium, protein-rich foods and potassium intake can help substantially. Regular exercise and maintaining weight is important. Medications are given to lower BP and phosphate binders are used to eliminate phosphates in urine. Diuretics help excrete extra fluids, while supplementing with erythropoietin is done to increase RBC numbers.

Conclusion

The kidney’s main task is blood filtration and getting rid of toxins, waste and excess water. Kidneys also help in balancing out electrolytes, minerals, produce hormones that maintain BP and help in making RBCs. When these functions are disturbed, they lead to devastation in the functioning of the whole body. Chronic Kidney Disease is a progressing destructive disease of the kidney affecting its function and a result of neglected kidney health. It is a combination of various factors, finally culminating in gradual decline of health and death. Once diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease, prompt treatment becomes necessary to correct the underlying condition and maintain health, as all major organ systems- like the heart or the brain can get affected, without help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the stages of chronic kidney disease?

Chronic Kidney Disease is divided into 5 stages, stage 1: kidney damage with a normal or high GFR (≥90), stage 2: kidney damage with mild decrease in GFR (60-89), stage 3: moderate to severe decrease in GFR (30-59). stage 4: severe decrease in GFR (15-29), stage 5: kidney failure (GFR <15)

How is CKD diagnosed?

Diagnosing CKD is done with a combination of blood tests to check for GFR, urine analysis is done for protein traces and imaging techniques like ultrasound is done to view the kidney structures.

Can CKD be reversed in early stages?

No, reversing early stage chronic kidney disease is difficult but the progression of the condition can be slowed with early intervention and regular checkups.

What complications occur in advanced kidney disease?

Advanced kidney disease can cause cardiovascular complications like high blood pressure, heart failure, fluid retention, oedematous swelling, anaemia and problems with bones and mineral deposition and amounts in the body./div>

How can kidney failure be prevented?

Kidney failure can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle and managing risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes. Eating a balanced diet low in salt and sugar, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, quitting smoking and being cautious with the use of pain killers are effective ways to ensure that you live long and your kidneys continue to function for many years to come, without any issues.