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Understanding Kidney Disease — The First Step Toward Better Health

Before you can make decisions about treatment, it's essential to understand what the kidneys do, how kidney failure develops, and what signs to look out for.

The Role of the Kidneys

Your kidneys are small but powerful organs that keep your body in balance.

They filter waste and toxins from the blood, regulate fluid levels, control blood pressure, and support bone and red blood cell health.

When kidneys begin to lose function, toxins build up in the blood, and symptoms can affect the whole body — often silently at first.

Kidney anatomy and function

What Is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

Chronic kidney disease means that your kidneys are slowly losing their ability to filter blood properly.

It usually develops over months or years, often without noticeable symptoms in the early stages.

Common causes include:

  • •Diabetes
  • •High blood pressure
  • •Autoimmune diseases
  • •Genetic or structural abnormalities
  • •Repeated infections or medication toxicity

The Stages of CKD

Doctors use a value called eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) to measure kidney function.

It's expressed as a percentage — 100% means normal kidney function, while lower numbers indicate reduced efficiency.

eGFR: ≥ 90

Stage 1

Normal function, but some kidney damage possible

eGFR: 60–89

Stage 2

Mild loss of function

eGFR: 30–59

Stage 3

Moderate reduction — early symptoms may appear

eGFR: 15–29

Stage 4

Severe loss — preparation for dialysis or transplant

eGFR: < 15

Stage 5

Kidney failure (dialysis or transplant required)

"Kidney disease often progresses quietly — regular testing and early intervention can make a life-changing difference."

Recognizing the Symptoms

In the early stages, kidney disease can be silent.

However, you should speak to your doctor if you notice:

Persistent fatigue or weakness
Swelling in the legs, feet, or face
High blood pressure
Foamy or reduced urine output
Loss of appetite, nausea, or itching

Even mild symptoms can indicate serious kidney stress — early testing is key.

Diagnosis and Medical Evaluation

Diagnosis begins with simple tests:

Blood tests (creatinine, urea, electrolytes)
Urine tests (protein levels, microalbumin)
Imaging (ultrasound or CT to view kidney structure)
Blood pressure and cardiovascular checks

These tests help doctors determine your CKD stage and create a personalized treatment plan.

Taking Control Through Knowledge

Kidney disease doesn't always mean dialysis is inevitable.

With the right care, many patients can delay or even avoid dialysis for years through proper management, diet, and close medical supervision.

Nephro-Med helps you understand your lab results, interpret your reports, and stay informed about treatment pathways — from medication and diet to potential future procedures.

Your Next Step

"The sooner you understand your condition, the better your chances to protect your kidney function."

Let our team review your medical reports and help you plan your next step.

Request Consultation