What is chronic kidney disease?

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March 6, 2026
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What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)? 🫘🩺

This article is written by mr.hotsia, a long term traveler and storyteller who runs a YouTube travel channel followed by over a million followers. Over the years he has crossed borders and backroads throughout Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, India and many other Asian countries, sleeping in small guesthouses, village homes and roadside inns. Along the way he has listened to real life health stories from locals, watched how people actually live day to day, and collected simple lifestyle ideas that may help support better wellbeing in practical, realistic ways.

Chronic Kidney Disease, usually called CKD, is a long term condition where the kidneys gradually lose some of their ability to do important everyday jobs. It is “chronic” because it tends to develop over months or years, not overnight.

Your kidneys are like quiet, hardworking filters. Even when you are not thinking about them, they help support many things that keep you feeling balanced. When kidney function becomes lower over time, the body may have a harder time keeping fluids, minerals, and waste products in a healthy range.

CKD does not always cause obvious symptoms early. That is why many people only discover it after routine blood and urine tests, or after a doctor notices changes in blood pressure or swelling.

What do the kidneys normally do? 🚰⚙️

In simple terms, healthy kidneys may help support:

  • Waste removal: filtering waste products from the blood

  • Fluid balance: keeping the right amount of water in the body

  • Mineral balance: helping manage sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus

  • Blood pressure support: working with hormones and salt balance

  • Red blood cell support: helping signal the body to make red blood cells

  • Bone health support: helping activate vitamin D and manage minerals

When kidney function becomes weaker over time, these systems may become harder to keep in balance.

What counts as “chronic” kidney disease? ⏳

Doctors typically call it CKD when there is evidence of kidney damage or reduced kidney function that lasts at least 3 months.

CKD is usually measured and described using:

  • eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate): a blood test calculation that estimates filtering ability

  • Urine albumin/protein: urine tests that look for protein leakage (often called albuminuria)

These tests help describe both the stage and the risk level.

CKD stages (simple overview) 📊

A very common staging system uses eGFR:

  • Stage 1: normal or high eGFR, but signs of kidney damage may be present

  • Stage 2: mildly reduced eGFR with signs of kidney damage

  • Stage 3: moderately reduced eGFR (often split into 3a and 3b)

  • Stage 4: severely reduced eGFR

  • Stage 5: very low eGFR, sometimes called kidney failure

Important note: stage does not always mean symptoms. Some people in earlier stages feel normal, while others may notice changes sooner.

What causes CKD? 🧩

Across many places I’ve traveled, from mountain villages to busy cities, the most common “life patterns” linked to CKD often include:

  1. Diabetes
    High blood sugar over time may damage small blood vessels in the kidneys.

  2. High blood pressure
    Pressure that stays high for years may strain kidney filters and blood vessels.

  3. Kidney inflammation or immune conditions
    Some conditions may cause ongoing kidney inflammation.

  4. Long term urinary blockage
    Enlarged prostate, repeated stones, or structural issues may reduce flow over time.

  5. Repeated kidney infections
    Multiple infections over years may increase risk.

  6. Family history and inherited conditions
    Some kidney conditions may run in families.

  7. Frequent use of certain pain medicines
    Long term or high dose use of some pain relievers may increase risk for certain people. Always discuss medication safety with a clinician, especially if you already have kidney concerns.

Often, CKD is not caused by only one thing. It can be a mix of lifestyle factors, medical conditions, and genetics.

Symptoms (often late) 👀

Early CKD may have no symptoms. If symptoms appear later, they may include:

  • swelling in ankles/feet (fluid retention)

  • fatigue or low energy

  • changes in urination (more or less, foamy urine, nighttime urination)

  • itchy skin

  • nausea or reduced appetite

  • trouble concentrating

  • shortness of breath (sometimes from fluid or anemia)

These symptoms can have many causes, so testing is the key.

How is CKD diagnosed? 🧪

A clinician may use:

  • Blood tests: creatinine, eGFR, and other markers

  • Urine tests: albumin/protein, blood, infection markers

  • Blood pressure checks

  • Imaging: ultrasound or other scans if needed

  • Sometimes additional tests: depending on suspected cause

If CKD is found, the next important step is understanding why it’s happening and what factors may be pushing it forward.

Why CKD matters (the long view) 🛡️

Kidneys are connected to heart health, blood pressure balance, and overall metabolism. Supporting kidney health often also means supporting:

  • heart and blood vessel health

  • healthy blood pressure

  • balanced blood sugar

  • healthy hydration habits

  • safer medication choices

When CKD is identified early, many people can slow progression by working with a clinician and focusing on practical lifestyle factors.

Lifestyle ideas that may help support kidney health 🌿

These are general ideas that often support kidney wellbeing. They are not personal medical treatment.

  • Support healthy blood pressure
    Sodium awareness, movement, stress management, and clinician guidance may help.

  • Support balanced blood sugar (if relevant)
    Food choices and consistent routines may help.

  • Choose kidney-friendly hydration habits
    Drink enough for your body and climate, but not extreme amounts. Some people with later stage CKD need special fluid guidance.

  • Be cautious with pain medicines and supplements
    Some products may be harder on the kidneys for certain people. It can be wise to discuss them with a professional.

  • Prioritize sleep and daily movement
    These may help support metabolic and cardiovascular balance.

  • Follow lab results over time
    CKD is often tracked using trends, not one single number.

When should someone get tested? 🧭

Testing may be especially important if a person has:

  • diabetes

  • high blood pressure

  • a family history of kidney disease

  • heart disease

  • swelling, foamy urine, or unusual urination patterns

  • long term use of certain medications that may affect kidneys

Even a simple annual check can be valuable for high-risk groups.

10 FAQs: What is chronic kidney disease? ❓

1) What is chronic kidney disease in simple words?

CKD is a long term condition where the kidneys gradually lose some filtering ability over time. It often develops slowly and may not cause early symptoms.

2) Is CKD the same as kidney failure?

Not exactly. CKD includes multiple stages. Kidney failure is usually used for very advanced stages when kidney function is very low.

3) Can you have CKD and feel normal?

Yes. Many people feel fine in early stages. CKD is often found through blood and urine tests.

4) What are the main causes of CKD?

The most common causes are diabetes and high blood pressure, but infections, inflammation, blockage, genetics, and other factors may also contribute.

5) What tests detect CKD?

Doctors often use a blood test for eGFR and urine tests for protein (albumin). These help describe kidney function and kidney stress.

6) Does CKD always get worse?

Not always. Some people may keep stable kidney function for years, especially when key lifestyle factors and medical risks are well supported.

7) What symptoms might appear later?

Swelling, fatigue, foamy urine, nighttime urination, itchy skin, appetite changes, and low energy may appear later, but symptoms vary.

8) Is drinking more water always good for kidneys?

Balanced hydration may help support kidney function, but extreme water intake is not always helpful. Some people with CKD need personalized fluid guidance.

9) Can lifestyle changes help with CKD?

Lifestyle factors may help support blood pressure, blood sugar, and overall kidney stress. Many people use lifestyle support alongside clinician care.

10) When should I see a doctor about possible CKD?

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, family history, swelling, foamy urine, or abnormal lab results, it’s wise to discuss kidney testing and next steps with a clinician.

Mr.Hotsia

I’m Mr.Hotsia, sharing 30 years of travel experiences with readers worldwide. This review is based on my personal journey and what I’ve learned along the way. Learn more