Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys don't work as well as they should. 

It's a common condition often associated with getting older. It can affect anyone, and about 1 in 10 people have some degree of CKD, it can develop at any age, but it becomes more common with increasing age and is more common in women.

CKD can get worse over time and eventually the kidneys may stop working altogether- but this is very uncommon. Many people with CKD are able to live long lives with the condition.

There are usually no symptoms of kidney disease in the early stages and you are unlikely to feel unwell or have any symptoms in mild to moderate CKD - Stage 1-3.

It may only be diagnosed if you have a blood or urine test for another reason and the results show a possible problem with your kidneys.

At a more advanced stage, symptoms can include:

• tiredness
• swollen ankles, feet or hands
• shortness of breath
• feeling sick
• blood in your urine

CKD is usually caused by other conditions that put a strain on the kidneys. Often it's the result of a combination of different problems, such as 

• Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure
• older age
• High Cholesterol
• obesity
• severe kidney Infections / Inflammation
• Polycystic Kidney Disease
• Kidney Stones / Enlarged Prostate
• various medications

Treatment

There is no cure for CKD, but treatment can help relieve the symptoms and stop it from worsening. There are few medicines that can be prescribed to help you with CKD if appropriate, and can help delay the progression of your CKD. If you would like to discuss these further, you can do so with our pharmacist, Hannah.

• Control your blood pressure - You can submit this to us online by clicking the form at the bottom of the page.
• Lower your cholesterol
• Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption
• Eat a well balance diet with low salt intake
• Keep active and exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight

BMI is a measure used to work out if you weight is healthy. It is a ratio of your height and weight. Being overweight or obese has long term impacts for your overall health. These include higher risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and cancer. 

Please use our BMI calculator .

The normal Range is between 18.5 -25

overweight falls between 25-30

Obese is anything over 30

We would like those who have Chronic kidney Disease (CKD 3) to have an annual birthday review. You will be usually sent a letter reminder around this time.

Several things we like to check include:

1: Blood test to check kidney function , cholesterol, blood count. This is usually once a year for kidney disease stage 3 but often more frequently in those at more advanced stage of kidney disease (stage 4 and upwards).

2: Urine test for ACR- You can hand in a urine sample in a white top sterile bottle provided at the reception desk. 

3: Blood pressure check. (Ideally home blood pressure)

4: Update on weight, smoking and alcohol intake.

The last two options can be filled out online at home by completing the blood pressure form at the bottom of page. If you dont have a Blood pressure machine at home they can be purchased for a reasonable price at most chemists or alternatively you can borrow one from the practice by enquiring at reception desk.

5: Medication Review.

Each year the clinical team will review your medications to ensure you are on the optimal medication regime. The aim is to help preserve your kidney function and also remove or adjust dosages of medication that could potentially harm your kidneys. We will of course notify you if we need to make any adjustments.