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From the first signs to long-term care: your complete guide by Manipal Hospital Kharadi.
Kidneys are small, but they play a massive role in keeping us healthy—filtering waste, balancing fluids, and producing essential hormones. But what happens when they start to fail quietly, without warning? That’s exactly what happens with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) - a condition that develops slowly, often without early symptoms.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what CKD is, how to recognise the early signs, what causes it, and the treatment options available right here at Manipal Hospital Kharadi.
Synopsis
- What Exactly Is Chronic Kidney Disease?
- What Is the First Sign of Kidney Problems?
- How Do Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms Appear?
- What Causes Chronic Kidney Disease?
- The 5 Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease Explained
- How Is CKD Diagnosed?
- Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment Options
- Lifestyle Changes That Help
- When Should You See a Kidney Specialist?
- Conclusion
What Exactly Is Chronic Kidney Disease?
CKD means your kidneys gradually lose their ability to function over months or even years. Unlike acute kidney failure, which can come on suddenly, CKD is slow and sneaky.
In India, CKD is more common than you might think. It’s affecting people in their 30s and 40s, not just the elderly, due to rising cases of diabetes, high blood pressure, and sedentary lifestyles.
What Is the First Sign of Kidney Problems?
If you’re wondering what to watch out for, here are some of the subtle early signs:
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Feeling unusually tired, even after rest.
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Frothy or dark-coloured urine.
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Needing to pee more often at night.
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Swelling in your ankles, hands, or feet.
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Constant dry or itchy skin.
If you or someone you love notices these symptoms, don’t ignore them. You can consult a nephrologist at Manipal Hospital Kharadi to get a thorough check-up.
How Do Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms Appear?
CKD doesn’t follow a straight path. It’s often silent at first. But as it progresses, the symptoms become more noticeable:
In the Early Stages (1 & 2)
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Mild fatigue.
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Slight swelling (especially around the eyes in the morning)
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No major signs in some cases.
In the Later Stages (3 to 5):
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Constant nausea or vomiting.
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Muscle cramps.
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Trouble sleeping.
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Puffy eyes or face.
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Mental fog or difficulty concentrating.
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Women may also face hormonal changes and irregular periods.
If you’re a woman noticing such changes, take a look at our guide on kidney symptoms in females.
What Causes Chronic Kidney Disease?
Several conditions can damage your kidneys over time:
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Diabetes – the number one cause of CKD.
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High blood pressure – damages small blood vessels in the kidneys.
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Polycystic kidney disease – a genetic condition.
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Repeated urinary tract or kidney infections.
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Long-term use of over-the-counter painkillers (especially NSAIDs)
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Exposure to toxins or heavy metals.
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Family history of kidney disease.
Read more: on why these causes matter and what you can do about them.
The 5 Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease Explained
CKD is measured in stages from 1 to 5 based on how well your kidneys filter blood (called GFR).
|
Stage |
GFR Value |
What It Means |
Common Symptoms |
|
Stage 1 |
90+ |
Normal GFR but kidney damage present. |
Often no symptoms. |
|
Stage 2 |
60–89 |
Mild loss of function. |
Occasional fatigue. |
|
Stage 3a |
45–59 |
Moderate loss. |
Swelling, tiredness. |
|
Stage 3b |
30–44 |
Moderate to severe loss. |
Nausea, poor appetite. |
|
Stage 4 |
15–29 |
Severe loss. |
Muscle cramps, changes in urination. |
|
Stage 5 |
Below 15 |
Kidney failure. |
Dialysis or transplant may be needed. |
If you’re diagnosed with any of these stages, our nephrology team can guide you through the best next steps.
How Is CKD Diagnosed?
Simple, non-invasive tests are usually enough to detect CKD early:
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eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)
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Urine test (to check protein levels)
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Blood creatinine.
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Ultrasound or imaging scans.
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Sometimes, a kidney biopsy.
You can book a preventive kidney check-up to get clarity on your kidney health.
Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment Options
Treatment varies depending on the stage:
In Early Stages (1–3):
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Control your blood pressure and sugar levels.
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Use kidney-protecting medicines.
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Follow a kidney-friendly diet.
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Avoid nephrotoxic drugs.
In Advanced Stages (4–5):
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Dialysis (either haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis)
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Kidney transplant.
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Palliative care in some cases.
At Manipal Hospital Kharadi, we offer dialysis services and transplant guidance under expert supervision.
Lifestyle Changes That Help
Living with CKD means making small, consistent lifestyle changes:
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Eat a low-salt, low-protein diet (based on your GFR)
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Stay hydrated but within doctor limits.
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Exercise moderately.
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Don’t smoke or drink alcohol.
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Regularly monitor your BP and sugar levels.
Learn more about lifestyle changes for CKD to slow its progression.
When Should You See a Kidney Specialist?
See a nephrologist if you notice:
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Fatigue that doesn’t go away.
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Swelling in the feet or eyes.
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Foamy or discoloured urine.
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Trouble urinating.
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High BP or diabetes with abnormal blood tests.
Don’t delay, book your appointment with our specialists and get ahead of kidney disease.
Conclusion
If you’ve made it this far, you're already one step ahead. Whether it’s a simple health check or advanced kidney care, the experts at Manipal Hospital Kharadi are here for you.
FAQ's
CKD is a long-term condition where your kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and fluids from your body.
Fatigue, frothy urine, and swelling in the legs are often the earliest indicators.
Symptoms vary by stage but include nausea, cramps, poor appetite, and mental fog.
Stages range from 1 (mild) to 5 (complete failure), based on kidney function measured by GFR.
Treatment includes medication, lifestyle changes, dialysis, or transplant, depending on the stage.
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