Definition
Kidney damage or reduced filtration lasting at least three months; progression may be painless.
Symptoms
Often silent early on; later tiredness, swelling, itching or breathlessness.
How it may be discovered
Detected during diabetes or blood-pressure monitoring, or abnormal blood or urine testing.
When to seek care
Seek review for persistent abnormalities. Severe breathlessness, confusion or a major urine reduction require urgent assessment.
Investigations and tests
Creatinine with estimated filtration, urine albumin/creatinine ratio, blood pressure and selected ultrasound.
Reaching a diagnosis
Duration, filtration and albuminuria determine stage and risk; one result may not establish chronic disease.
Treatment options
Treat the cause, control blood pressure and diabetes, and adjust medicines and nutrition. Protective treatment and renal follow-up are individualised.
These kidney guides are educational. Medical kidney disease may require coordinated care with a nephrologist.
Explore this topic further
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