CKD stands for Chronic Kidney Disease. Having CKD means your kidney function is declining, causing your body to struggle to perform at its best. Two important functions that keep you feeling healthy are greatly impacted by your kidneys. These are disposing toxins/waste from your blood and regulating your blood pressure. CKD develops slowly and may go undiagnosed until your condition is concerning or serious. Common symptoms of CKD include foamy urine, fatigue, loss of appetite, swelling of extremities, dry or itchy skin, trouble sleeping and an increased need to urinate.
There are two ways you can get screened for CKD: a blood test and a urine test. These tests measure how well your kidneys filter your blood and if there are any traces of protein in your urine. Because CKD progresses over time it is broken down into 5 stages based on eGFR values. The chart below from the American Kidney Fund characterizes each stage. It is important to consult with your physician about CKD especially if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, are over the age of 60, and/or have a family history of CKD. To learn more please visit The National Kidney Foundation, www.kidney.org, or ask your primary care physician about CKD.
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