Summarize:

Your kidneys may suddenly become diseased or can become diseased because another condition causes damage. For example, high blood pressure and diabetes can damage your kidneys. If the damage is severe enough, you may develop chronic kidney failure. This usually takes place over the course of several months or years. You might develop primary kidney disease if your the nephrons in your kidneys lose their ability to filter blood. Other kidney problems (like kidney stones, infection, or trauma) can damage the nephrons. Since chronic kidney disease takes time to develop, you may not notice symptoms until you already have advanced kidney disease. Watch for these symptoms of chronic kidney disease: Increased or decreased frequency of urination Fatigue Nausea Itching and dry skin anywhere on the body Obvious blood in the urine or dark, foamy urine Muscle cramps and muscle twitches Puffiness or swelling around the eyes, feet and/or ankles Confusion Difficulty breathing, concentrating, or sleeping Decreased appetite Weakness If you have a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, you may have a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans also have higher risk of kidney disease. Since some kidney diseases also have a genetic component, family history of kidney disease can mean that you're also at a higher risk. Also, talk to your doctor about all the medications you're taking, as some can adversely affect the kidneys, especially with prolonged use. If you're over 60 years old, you also have an increased risk of kidney disease. It's easy to assume that other conditions could be causing your symptoms, so if you're experiencing any symptoms you should get a medical examination to determine the exact cause. Yearly physicals are important for catching kidney disease (even before symptoms present themselves). It's also a good idea to talk with your doctor about your family history and any concerns you have about your kidney function. Your doctor will do a physical exam and order blood, urine, and imaging tests. The imaging tests can show your doctor if there are any kidney abnormalities. The blood and urine tests may reveal if your kidneys are having trouble filtering waste, protein, or nitrogen from your blood. Your doctor may also test how well the nephrons in your kidneys are working by checking the Glomerular Filtration Rate or GFR. Your doctor also might order a biopsy of the kidneys to determine the cause or the extent of kidney disease. Once your doctor has determined the cause of your kidney disease, you'll be treated for the other condition. For example, if a bacterial infection is causing your symptoms, you'll get antibiotics. But, since kidney disease is chronic, your doctor may only be able to treat complications. In severe cases like kidney failure, kidney dialysis or transplants are options. To treat complications of CKD, you may be prescribed medications to treat high-blood pressure, treat anemia, lower your cholesterol, relieve swelling, and protect your bones. Your doctor might also order you to avoid certain medications, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or other NSAIDs.
Understand chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recognize symptoms of chronic kidney disease. Consider your risk factors. Know when to get medical attention. Get a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. Follow your doctor's treatment plan.