Recognizing the Signs
Early chronic kidney disease often has no symptoms and is found through routine blood or urine tests. As kidney function declines further, symptoms can include fatigue, swelling in the legs or ankles, changes in urination, nausea, and difficulty concentrating. Advanced kidney failure may require dialysis or transplantation.
What Puts You at Risk
Common causes include diabetes and high blood pressure, which together account for the majority of cases. Other contributing factors include kidney stones, repeated urinary tract infections, certain inherited conditions, and long-term use of some medications. A family history of kidney disease can also increase risk.
From Evaluation to Treatment
Blood tests measure kidney function, while a urine test checks for protein or blood, an early indicator of how well the kidneys are working.
An ultrasound assesses the kidneys' size and structure, helping identify the cause and extent of any damage.
Results are used to stage the disease and determine the appropriate path, whether that means managing underlying conditions like diabetes and blood pressure, or moving toward more advanced treatment.
For advanced kidney failure, treatment moves to dialysis or, for eligible patients, kidney transplantation, including a robotic-assisted option.
When Transplant Becomes Part of the Conversation
For patients who reach kidney failure, transplant evaluation considers both the recipient's health and, where relevant, a potential donor. Dr. Himanshu Sharma is a certified kidney transplant surgeon, offering both robotic-assisted and open kidney transplant recipient surgery for eligible patients.
Anyone with risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure, a family history of kidney disease, or symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, swelling, or changes in urination should speak with a specialist about kidney function testing.
Managing CKD in Mumbai Before It Becomes Kidney Failure
Chronic kidney disease can often be managed for years before it progresses to kidney failure, and early evaluation is what makes that possible. Bringing any existing blood work, especially kidney function tests, to the first consultation is the most useful starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chronic kidney disease is staged from 1 to 5 based on how well the kidneys are filtering blood, with stage 5 representing kidney failure. Staging helps determine the appropriate monitoring and treatment plan at each point.
Not always. Early-stage chronic kidney disease is often found through routine blood work, since noticeable symptoms may not appear until kidney function has declined significantly. This is one reason routine testing matters for those at higher risk.
Kidney failure means the kidneys have lost most or all of their ability to function on their own, generally requiring dialysis or a transplant. Chronic kidney disease is the broader, gradual process that can lead to kidney failure if it progresses.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common risk factors, along with a family history of kidney disease, recurrent kidney stones or infections, and certain long-term medications. Regular monitoring is recommended for anyone with these risk factors.
Not every patient with kidney failure needs a transplant immediately, and not everyone is a candidate for the robotic approach specifically. Eligibility depends on overall health, the availability of a suitable donor, and a detailed evaluation, which is discussed individually.