Chronic Kidney Disease: The Silent Condition You Shouldn't Ignore

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects millions of Americans, yet many people don't know they have it. In fact, kidney disease often develops slowly and causes few symptoms until significant damage has already occurred.

The good news is that early detection and treatment can help slow or even prevent progression of kidney disease.

What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood.

Kidney function is commonly measured using a blood test called the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Another important test is the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), which looks for protein in the urine.

A diagnosis of chronic kidney disease is typically made when kidney abnormalities are present for at least three months.

What Causes Chronic Kidney Disease?

Several conditions can damage the kidneys over time.

The most common causes include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• Diabetes

• Obesity

• Family history of kidney disease

• Polycystic kidney disease

• Glomerulonephritis

• Recurrent kidney stones

• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus

Many patients have more than one risk factor contributing to kidney disease.

What Are the Early Signs of Kidney Disease?

One of the challenges with CKD is that it often causes no symptoms in its early stages.

When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Fatigue

• Swelling in the legs or feet

• Foamy urine

• Changes in urination

• Poor appetite

• Difficulty concentrating

• High blood pressure

Because symptoms often appear late, routine blood and urine testing are important for people at risk.

What Do eGFR and Creatinine Mean?

Creatinine is a waste product measured in the blood. Your healthcare provider uses your creatinine level along with your age and sex to calculate your eGFR.

In general:

• eGFR above 90: Normal or near-normal kidney function

• eGFR 60–89: Mild reduction in kidney function

• eGFR 30–59: Moderate kidney disease

• eGFR 15–29: Severe kidney disease

• eGFR below 15: Kidney failure

Your nephrologist will interpret these numbers in the context of your overall health and urine testing.

Why Is Protein in the Urine Important?

Protein in the urine, also called albuminuria, is often one of the earliest signs of kidney damage.

Protein leakage can occur even when kidney function appears normal on blood tests.

Persistent protein in the urine may increase the risk of:

• Kidney disease progression

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Cardiovascular complications

Fortunately, several medications can help reduce proteinuria and protect kidney function.

Can Chronic Kidney Disease Be Treated?

Yes.

Although some kidney damage cannot be reversed, treatment can often slow progression significantly.

Treatment may include:

• Blood pressure control

• Diabetes management

• Weight loss when appropriate

• Reducing dietary sodium

• SGLT2 inhibitors such as Farxiga or Jardiance

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs

• Treatment of underlying kidney conditions

The earlier treatment begins, the greater the opportunity to preserve kidney function.

When Should You See a Kidney Specialist?

You may benefit from seeing a nephrologist if you have:

• Persistent protein in the urine

• eGFR below 60

• Difficult-to-control blood pressure

• Recurrent kidney stones

• Polycystic kidney disease

• Rapidly declining kidney function

A nephrologist can help identify the cause of kidney disease and create a personalized treatment plan.

The Bottom Line

Chronic kidney disease is common, often silent, and frequently underdiagnosed. Many people have kidney disease for years before symptoms develop.

If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of kidney disease, or abnormal kidney lab results, early evaluation can make a significant difference.

At Optima Kidney & Metabolic Care, we help patients understand their kidney health, identify the cause of kidney disease, and develop strategies to preserve kidney function for the long term.

Concerned About Your Kidney Health?

If you have chronic kidney disease, protein in the urine, high blood pressure, declining kidney function, or simply want a better understanding of your kidney health, early evaluation can make a difference.

Dr. Marilia Campos is a board-certified nephrologist who provides personalized kidney, blood pressure, and metabolic health care with a focus on prevention, education, and long-term health.

To schedule an appointment, call or text 503-749-9939.

Optima Kidney & Metabolic Care is in-network with most major insurance plans, including Medicare.