Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypes and CausesSymptomsStages of CKDRisk FactorsDiagnosisTreatment of CKDDaily ManagementPrognosisNext in Kidney Disease GuideKidney Disease Symptoms to Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types and Causes
Symptoms
Stages of CKD
Risk Factors
Diagnosis
Treatment of CKD
Daily Management
Prognosis
Next in Kidney Disease Guide
Kidney disease refers to any condition that damages thekidneys, the two bean-shaped organs located on each side of the spine that filter blood, produce urine, and regulate fluid and acid levels in the body. Kidney disease can beacute, meaning fast developing and severe, orchronic, meaning persistent and progressive.
Acute kidney injury (AKI)is a form of kidney disease that can be serious but is usually reversible.Chronic kidney disease (CKD)is typically nonreversible and oftenasymptomatic(without symptoms) for years until the kidneys start to fail and eventually stop working altogether.
This article describes the differences between acute and chronic kidney diseases, including their causes and how they are diagnosed. It also takes an in-depth look at CKD, including how it progresses and is treated at different stages.
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Types and Causes of Kidney Disease: Acute vs. Chronic
With acute kidney injury, kidney damage occurs suddenly but can usually be reversed once the underlying cause is treated. With chronic kidney disease, the damage develops gradually and is most often incurable.
The underlying causes tend to be distinct and affect the kidneys differently.
Acute Kidney Injury
Acute kidney injury, formerly calledacute renal failure, is a sudden decrease in kidney function that occurs within seven days. The injury can beprerenal(due to decreased blood flow to the kidneys),intrarenal(due to damage to the kidneys themselves), orpostrenal(due to blockage of urine flow from the kidneys).
Some of the most common of AKI include:
Chronic Kidney Disease
In the United States, the following two diseases account for more than two-thirds of CKD diagnoses:
Other causes of CKD includeglomerulonephritis, (a group of diseases that cause inflammatory damage to glomeruli)andpolycystic kidney disease(an inherited disorder that causes fluid-filled cysts in or on the kidneys).
One of the main differences between AKI and CKD is the timing and severity of symptoms. With AKI, the symptoms will develop rapidly and are usually pronounced. With CKD, the disease is often asymptomatic and, even when signs appear, they are frequently non-specific and easily mistaken for other conditions.
CKD Statistics in the United StatesOf the estimated 37 million people living with CKD in the United States, 9 out of 10 have no idea they have the disease. This includes 2 of every 5 people with advanced CKD.
CKD Statistics in the United States
Of the estimated 37 million people living with CKD in the United States, 9 out of 10 have no idea they have the disease. This includes 2 of every 5 people with advanced CKD.
Common signs and symptoms of AKIand CKDinclude:
AKI SymptomsDecreased urinationSwelling of the hands, ankles, or feetFatigue and weaknessNausea and vomitingShortness of breathIrregular heartbeatsChest pain or pressureConfusionBone painCKD SymptomsFatigue and weaknessLoss of appetiteSleep problemsMuscle crampsDry, itchy skinRestless legsUrinating more or lessFoamy urineSwelling of the ankles and feetLoss of concentrationHeadachesEasy bruising
AKI SymptomsDecreased urinationSwelling of the hands, ankles, or feetFatigue and weaknessNausea and vomitingShortness of breathIrregular heartbeatsChest pain or pressureConfusionBone pain
Decreased urination
Swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet
Fatigue and weakness
Nausea and vomiting
Shortness of breath
Irregular heartbeats
Chest pain or pressure
Confusion
Bone pain
CKD SymptomsFatigue and weaknessLoss of appetiteSleep problemsMuscle crampsDry, itchy skinRestless legsUrinating more or lessFoamy urineSwelling of the ankles and feetLoss of concentrationHeadachesEasy bruising
Loss of appetite
Sleep problems
Muscle cramps
Dry, itchy skin
Restless legs
Urinating more or less
Foamy urine
Swelling of the ankles and feet
Loss of concentration
Headaches
Easy bruising
As CKD edges closer to kidney failure, the symptoms will start to echo those of AKI and be harder to miss.
Kidney Disease Symptoms to Look For
When to See a Healthcare Provider for Kidney Problems
You should see a healthcare provider if you have any signs of kidney disease but may need to do so urgently if the symptoms develop suddenly and severely.
Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you develop the following signs and symptoms of acute kidney injury:
CKD Symptom Progression and Stages
As the eGFR declines from normal values of 90 and over, the risk and severity of symptoms increase. When the eGFR drops below 15, the kidneys are no longer functional, and the condition is known asend-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Complications of Chronic Kidney Disease
As CKD progresses and the kidneys start to fail, other organ systems can become affected and require medical treatment.
The seven most common complications of CKD include:
Who Is at Risk of Kidney Disease?
Some people are at greater risk of kidney disease than others. Although there is some overlap in the risk factors of AKI and CKD, they tend to develop independently of each other. With AKI, the injury is usually the result of an acute episode of a chronic or severe illness,while CKD is usually the result of progressive damage from a chronic illness.
AKI Risk FactorsA family history of AKIHeart diseaseTaking insulin for diabetesUncontrolled hypertensionBeing over 65Kidney diseaseLiver cirrhosisChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)Peripheral artery disease (PAD)Having recent major surgeryBeing hospitalized for COVID-19Being severely dehydratedCKD Risk FactorsA family history of CKDHeart diseaseDiabetesHigh blood pressureBeing over 60
AKI Risk FactorsA family history of AKIHeart diseaseTaking insulin for diabetesUncontrolled hypertensionBeing over 65Kidney diseaseLiver cirrhosisChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)Peripheral artery disease (PAD)Having recent major surgeryBeing hospitalized for COVID-19Being severely dehydrated
A family history of AKI
Heart disease
Taking insulin for diabetes
Uncontrolled hypertension
Being over 65
Kidney disease
Liver cirrhosis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Having recent major surgery
Being hospitalized for COVID-19
Being severely dehydrated
CKD Risk FactorsA family history of CKDHeart diseaseDiabetesHigh blood pressureBeing over 60
A family history of CKD
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Being over 60
CKD is diagnosed more often in people who are Black, Latinx, Asian, or Native American than in White people in the United States.
Kidney Disease Testing: How to Diagnose Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is diagnosed with blood and urine tests. The tests evaluate the function of the kidneys in different ways and are collectively referred to asrenal function tests.
The tests include:
How AKI Is TreatedAcute kidney injury requires immediate treatment and may be reversible if diagnosed and treated quickly. The treatment of AKI typically involves:Intravenous (IV) fluids to replace lost fluidsDiureticsto treat fluid overloadPotassium-binding drug to remove excess blood potassiumCalcium gluconateto increase blood calcium levelsHemodialysis(blood dialysis) to remove waste products and toxins from the blood
How AKI Is Treated
Acute kidney injury requires immediate treatment and may be reversible if diagnosed and treated quickly. The treatment of AKI typically involves:Intravenous (IV) fluids to replace lost fluidsDiureticsto treat fluid overloadPotassium-binding drug to remove excess blood potassiumCalcium gluconateto increase blood calcium levelsHemodialysis(blood dialysis) to remove waste products and toxins from the blood
Acute kidney injury requires immediate treatment and may be reversible if diagnosed and treated quickly. The treatment of AKI typically involves:
Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment
Lifestyle
Lifestyle changes are recommended at every stage of CKD to keep you healthy and slow the progression of the disease.
These include:
Medications
Different medications may be prescribed to manage the underlying causes and complications of CKD, including:
Dialysis
For the small proportion of people who progress to ESRD,dialysismay be needed to remove waste from your body when the kidneys can no longer do so.
There are two types commonly used:
Kidney Transplant
Akidney transplantis another treatment option for ESRD. Typically, when a person with CKD has an eGFR of 20, they are assessed to determine if they are acandidate for a transplantand placed on a waiting list.
The kidney may come from a deceased or living donor. The donor is “matched” so that their blood and tissue types are compatible, minimizing the risk oforgan rejection.
A transplant can be performed without dialysis if the kidney failure is progressing slowly and the symptoms can be controlled with diet and medications. If not, a person may be placed on dialysis until a donor kidney is received.
Daily CKD Management
Managing CKD requires a commitment to good health. In addition to making lifestyle changes, the National Institutes of Health recommend that you aim for the following goals in your daily life:
It is also important to stay in touch with your care team. Your kidney specialist (nephrologist) monitors your lab results and adjusts treatment if there are changes in your kidney function. Let your nephrologist and care team know about any changes in your health or treatment, including those unrelated to your kidneys.
Can You Prevent Chronic Kidney Disease?Diabetes and high blood pressure are the number one and two causes of CKD, respectively. By avoiding (or properly managing) these chronic diseases, you mayreduce your risk of CKD. This includes eating right, exercising routinely, maintaining your ideal weight, and quitting cigarettes.
Can You Prevent Chronic Kidney Disease?
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the number one and two causes of CKD, respectively. By avoiding (or properly managing) these chronic diseases, you mayreduce your risk of CKD. This includes eating right, exercising routinely, maintaining your ideal weight, and quitting cigarettes.
When You Should See a Kidney Doctor
Outlook
The prognosis (outlook) of acute kidney injury is generally good if treated appropriately. In some cases, AKI may be a one-off event without impacting your long-term health or life expectancy.
Prognosis for End-Stage Renal Failure
For those who progress to ESRD, dialysis and kidney transplantation are the only options for survival. If neither is pursued, death usually occurs within several days or weeks.
Those pursuing dialysis have a far better outlook, with an average life expectancy of five to 10 years.
Success rates for kidney transplants are equally optimistic, with 78.2% of those who received a kidney from a deceased donor living for at least five years. Around 88.1% of those who received a kidney from a living donor surviving for a least five years.
Even recipients in their 60s can expect to live anywhere from 11 to 15 years after a transplant.
25 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Kidney Foundation.Acute kidney injury (AKI).National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Managing chronic kidney disease.Hertzberg D, Rydén L, Pickering JW, Sartipy U, Holzmann MJ.Acute kidney injury-an overview of diagnostic methods and clinical management.Clin Kidney J.2017;10(3):323-331. doi:10.1093/ckj/sfx003Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CKD risk factors and prevention.Chen TK, Knicely DH, Grams ME.Chronic kidney disease diagnosis and management.JAMA. 2019;322(13):1294–1304. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.14745National Kidney Foundation.Polycystic kidney disease.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chronic kidney disease in the United States, 2021.Kellum JA, Lameire N.Diagnosis, evaluation, and management of acute kidney injury: a KDIGO summary (part 1).Crit Care.2013;17(1):204. doi:10.1186/cc11454Bello AK, Alrukhaimi M, Ashuntantang GE, et al.Complications of chronic kidney disease: current state, knowledge gaps, and strategy for action.Kidney Int Suppl (2011).2017;7(2):122–129. doi:10.1016/j.kisu.2017.07.007American Kidney Fund.Acute kidney injury (AKI).National Kidney Foundation.Race, ethnicity, and kidney disease.Crawford-Faucher A, Juijon RM.Effects of altered dietary salt intake in patients with chronic kidney disease.Am Fam Physician.2017;95(7):423-424.National Kidney Foundation.Understanding the renal diet: protein.Provenzano M, Serra R, Michael A, et al.Smoking habit as a risk amplifier in chronic kidney disease patients.Sci Rep.2021;11:14778. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-94270-wNational Health Services (UK).Chronic kidney disease - treatment.Queeley GL, Campbel ES.Comparing treatment modalities for end-stage renal disease: a meta-analysis.Am Health Drug Benefits.2018;11(3):118–127.National Kidney Foundation.Kidney transplant.National Kidney Foundation.When should I start dialysis?National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Managing chronic kidney disease.American Kidney Fund.How to prevent kidney disease.Subbiah AK, Chhabra YK, Mahajan S.Cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease: a neglected subgroup.Heart Asia.2016;8(2):56–61. doi:10.1136/heartasia-2016-010809Neild GH.Life expectancy with chronic kidney disease: an educational review.Pediatr Nephrol.2017;32(2):243–248. doi:10.1007/s00467-016-3383-8National Kidney Foundation.If you choose not to start dialysis treatment.National Kidney Foundation.Dialysis.Hariharan S, Israni AK, Danovitch G.Long-term survival after kidney transplantation.N Engl J Med.2021;385(8):729-743. doi:10.1056/NEJMra2014530
25 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Kidney Foundation.Acute kidney injury (AKI).National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Managing chronic kidney disease.Hertzberg D, Rydén L, Pickering JW, Sartipy U, Holzmann MJ.Acute kidney injury-an overview of diagnostic methods and clinical management.Clin Kidney J.2017;10(3):323-331. doi:10.1093/ckj/sfx003Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CKD risk factors and prevention.Chen TK, Knicely DH, Grams ME.Chronic kidney disease diagnosis and management.JAMA. 2019;322(13):1294–1304. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.14745National Kidney Foundation.Polycystic kidney disease.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chronic kidney disease in the United States, 2021.Kellum JA, Lameire N.Diagnosis, evaluation, and management of acute kidney injury: a KDIGO summary (part 1).Crit Care.2013;17(1):204. doi:10.1186/cc11454Bello AK, Alrukhaimi M, Ashuntantang GE, et al.Complications of chronic kidney disease: current state, knowledge gaps, and strategy for action.Kidney Int Suppl (2011).2017;7(2):122–129. doi:10.1016/j.kisu.2017.07.007American Kidney Fund.Acute kidney injury (AKI).National Kidney Foundation.Race, ethnicity, and kidney disease.Crawford-Faucher A, Juijon RM.Effects of altered dietary salt intake in patients with chronic kidney disease.Am Fam Physician.2017;95(7):423-424.National Kidney Foundation.Understanding the renal diet: protein.Provenzano M, Serra R, Michael A, et al.Smoking habit as a risk amplifier in chronic kidney disease patients.Sci Rep.2021;11:14778. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-94270-wNational Health Services (UK).Chronic kidney disease - treatment.Queeley GL, Campbel ES.Comparing treatment modalities for end-stage renal disease: a meta-analysis.Am Health Drug Benefits.2018;11(3):118–127.National Kidney Foundation.Kidney transplant.National Kidney Foundation.When should I start dialysis?National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Managing chronic kidney disease.American Kidney Fund.How to prevent kidney disease.Subbiah AK, Chhabra YK, Mahajan S.Cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease: a neglected subgroup.Heart Asia.2016;8(2):56–61. doi:10.1136/heartasia-2016-010809Neild GH.Life expectancy with chronic kidney disease: an educational review.Pediatr Nephrol.2017;32(2):243–248. doi:10.1007/s00467-016-3383-8National Kidney Foundation.If you choose not to start dialysis treatment.National Kidney Foundation.Dialysis.Hariharan S, Israni AK, Danovitch G.Long-term survival after kidney transplantation.N Engl J Med.2021;385(8):729-743. doi:10.1056/NEJMra2014530
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Kidney Foundation.Acute kidney injury (AKI).National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Managing chronic kidney disease.Hertzberg D, Rydén L, Pickering JW, Sartipy U, Holzmann MJ.Acute kidney injury-an overview of diagnostic methods and clinical management.Clin Kidney J.2017;10(3):323-331. doi:10.1093/ckj/sfx003Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CKD risk factors and prevention.Chen TK, Knicely DH, Grams ME.Chronic kidney disease diagnosis and management.JAMA. 2019;322(13):1294–1304. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.14745National Kidney Foundation.Polycystic kidney disease.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chronic kidney disease in the United States, 2021.Kellum JA, Lameire N.Diagnosis, evaluation, and management of acute kidney injury: a KDIGO summary (part 1).Crit Care.2013;17(1):204. doi:10.1186/cc11454Bello AK, Alrukhaimi M, Ashuntantang GE, et al.Complications of chronic kidney disease: current state, knowledge gaps, and strategy for action.Kidney Int Suppl (2011).2017;7(2):122–129. doi:10.1016/j.kisu.2017.07.007American Kidney Fund.Acute kidney injury (AKI).National Kidney Foundation.Race, ethnicity, and kidney disease.Crawford-Faucher A, Juijon RM.Effects of altered dietary salt intake in patients with chronic kidney disease.Am Fam Physician.2017;95(7):423-424.National Kidney Foundation.Understanding the renal diet: protein.Provenzano M, Serra R, Michael A, et al.Smoking habit as a risk amplifier in chronic kidney disease patients.Sci Rep.2021;11:14778. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-94270-wNational Health Services (UK).Chronic kidney disease - treatment.Queeley GL, Campbel ES.Comparing treatment modalities for end-stage renal disease: a meta-analysis.Am Health Drug Benefits.2018;11(3):118–127.National Kidney Foundation.Kidney transplant.National Kidney Foundation.When should I start dialysis?National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Managing chronic kidney disease.American Kidney Fund.How to prevent kidney disease.Subbiah AK, Chhabra YK, Mahajan S.Cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease: a neglected subgroup.Heart Asia.2016;8(2):56–61. doi:10.1136/heartasia-2016-010809Neild GH.Life expectancy with chronic kidney disease: an educational review.Pediatr Nephrol.2017;32(2):243–248. doi:10.1007/s00467-016-3383-8National Kidney Foundation.If you choose not to start dialysis treatment.National Kidney Foundation.Dialysis.Hariharan S, Israni AK, Danovitch G.Long-term survival after kidney transplantation.N Engl J Med.2021;385(8):729-743. doi:10.1056/NEJMra2014530
National Kidney Foundation.Acute kidney injury (AKI).
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Managing chronic kidney disease.
Hertzberg D, Rydén L, Pickering JW, Sartipy U, Holzmann MJ.Acute kidney injury-an overview of diagnostic methods and clinical management.Clin Kidney J.2017;10(3):323-331. doi:10.1093/ckj/sfx003
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CKD risk factors and prevention.
Chen TK, Knicely DH, Grams ME.Chronic kidney disease diagnosis and management.JAMA. 2019;322(13):1294–1304. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.14745
National Kidney Foundation.Polycystic kidney disease.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chronic kidney disease in the United States, 2021.
Kellum JA, Lameire N.Diagnosis, evaluation, and management of acute kidney injury: a KDIGO summary (part 1).Crit Care.2013;17(1):204. doi:10.1186/cc11454
Bello AK, Alrukhaimi M, Ashuntantang GE, et al.Complications of chronic kidney disease: current state, knowledge gaps, and strategy for action.Kidney Int Suppl (2011).2017;7(2):122–129. doi:10.1016/j.kisu.2017.07.007
American Kidney Fund.Acute kidney injury (AKI).
National Kidney Foundation.Race, ethnicity, and kidney disease.
Crawford-Faucher A, Juijon RM.Effects of altered dietary salt intake in patients with chronic kidney disease.Am Fam Physician.2017;95(7):423-424.
National Kidney Foundation.Understanding the renal diet: protein.
Provenzano M, Serra R, Michael A, et al.Smoking habit as a risk amplifier in chronic kidney disease patients.Sci Rep.2021;11:14778. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-94270-w
National Health Services (UK).Chronic kidney disease - treatment.
Queeley GL, Campbel ES.Comparing treatment modalities for end-stage renal disease: a meta-analysis.Am Health Drug Benefits.2018;11(3):118–127.
National Kidney Foundation.Kidney transplant.
National Kidney Foundation.When should I start dialysis?
American Kidney Fund.How to prevent kidney disease.
Subbiah AK, Chhabra YK, Mahajan S.Cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease: a neglected subgroup.Heart Asia.2016;8(2):56–61. doi:10.1136/heartasia-2016-010809
Neild GH.Life expectancy with chronic kidney disease: an educational review.Pediatr Nephrol.2017;32(2):243–248. doi:10.1007/s00467-016-3383-8
National Kidney Foundation.If you choose not to start dialysis treatment.
National Kidney Foundation.Dialysis.
Hariharan S, Israni AK, Danovitch G.Long-term survival after kidney transplantation.N Engl J Med.2021;385(8):729-743. doi:10.1056/NEJMra2014530
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What Type of Kidney Disease Do You Have?What Are the Classic Signs of Kidney Disease?From Diet to Dialysis: Treating Chronic Kidney Disease
What Type of Kidney Disease Do You Have?
What Are the Classic Signs of Kidney Disease?
From Diet to Dialysis: Treating Chronic Kidney Disease
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