Chronic Kidney Disease

Hey there! Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention—your kidneys. You might not think about them much, but these bean-shaped organs work tirelessly to keep your body running smoothly. They filter waste, balance fluids, and even help control your blood pressure. But what happens when they start to fail? 

That’s where chronic kidney disease (CKD) comes in.

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic Kidney Disease, or CKD, is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose function over time. It doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s the tricky part—many people don’t even realize they have it until it’s quite advanced.

How Common Is Chronic Kidney Disease?

CKD is a significant public health concern worldwide. According to estimates:

• 11% of adults in Australia (1.7 million people) had biomedical signs of CKD in 2011–12, as per the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

• The prevalence increases with age, affecting 44% of people aged 75 and above.

• CKD is largely underdiagnosed, with only 6.1% of affected individuals reporting they have the disease.

The number of Australians with moderate to severe kidney disease nearly doubled between 1999–2000 and 2011–12, primarily due to an aging population and improved survival rates of people receiving KRT.

What Causes CKD?

There are several factors that can contribute to CKD, but the most common ones are:

• High blood pressure – Puts extra strain on the kidneys.

• Diabetes – High blood sugar damages kidney filters.

• Genetics – Some people inherit kidney problems.

• Infections or kidney injuries – Can lead to long-term damage.

• Certain medications – Long-term use of painkillers like NSAIDs can be harmful.

Symptoms: What to Watch For

CKD is often called a “silent disease” because symptoms may not appear until significant damage has occurred. However, if you notice any of these, don’t ignore them:

• Weakness and exhaustion

• Leg, ankle, or facial swelling

• Urinary changes, such as excessive, insufficient, or foamy urine

• Continuous itching

• Breathlessness

• Loss of appetite or nausea

How is CKD Diagnosed?

Doctors usually detect CKD through:

• Blood tests (checking creatinine levels and glomerular filtration rate or GFR)

• Urine tests (looking for protein or blood in urine)

• Imaging tests (like ultrasound to check kidney size and shape)

Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease

Burden of Disease

CKD significantly affects individuals and healthcare systems:

• It contributed to 1.1% of the total disease burden in Australia in 2024, up from 0.8% in 2003.

• CKD was the 14th leading cause of fatal disease burden across all age groups.

• Among older adults (85–89 years), it ranked 6th for women and 8th for men in terms of fatal burden.

Mortality

• In 2022, CKD contributed to 22,000 deaths in Australia (11% of all deaths).

• The CKD-related death rate has more than doubled since 2000.

• COVID-19 has further impacted CKD patients, with 13.2% of COVID-19 deaths occurring in individuals with pre-existing CKD.

Can CKD Be Treated?

There’s no cure for CKD, but the good news is that you can slow its progression with proper management. Here’s how:

• Control blood pressure and blood sugar

• Eat a kidney-friendly diet (less salt, less protein, and more fruits and veggies)

• Stay hydrated

• Exercise regularly

• Quit smoking and limit alcohol

• Follow your doctor’s advice on medications

When Does CKD Become Kidney Failure?

If CKD progresses to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), the kidneys can no longer function well enough to keep you alive. At this point, treatment options include dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Final Thoughts

CKD is serious, but with early detection and lifestyle changes, you can maintain your quality of life and slow down its effects. Pay attention to your body, get regular checkups, and take good care of those hardworking kidneys

FAQs About Chronic Kidney Disease

1. Can CKD be reversed? 

No, but it can be managed to slow its progression.

2. Is CKD only caused by diabetes and high blood pressure?

 No, but these are the leading causes. Other factors include infections, genetics, and certain medications.

3. Can I prevent CKD? 

Yes! A healthy lifestyle, good hydration, and regular checkups can lower your risk.

4. What foods should I avoid if I have CKD? 

Limit salt, processed foods, red meat, and high-phosphorus foods like dairy and soda.

5. How often should I get my kidneys checked? 

If you have risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure, get checked at least once a year.

References

• ABS (2013). Australian Health Survey: Biomedical Results for Chronic Diseases. Australian Government.

• ABS (2014). Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey: Biomedical Results, 2012–13. Australian Government.

• ABS (2023a). COVID-19 Mortality in Australia: Deaths Registered Until 28 February 2023. Australian Government.

• AIHW (2016). Incidence of End-Stage Kidney Disease in Australia 1997–2013. Australian Government.

• AIHW (2018). Chronic Kidney Disease Prevalence Among Australian Adults Over Time. Australian Government.

• AIHW (2022). Australian Burden of Disease Study: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People 2018. Australian Government.

• AIHW (2024). Australian Burden of Disease Study 2024. Australian Government.

• ANZDATA (2023). 46th Annual Report 2023. Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry.