Chronic kidney disease 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. Anyone can get it, although it’s more common in black people and people of south Asian origin.
kidney disease can get gradually worse over time and eventually the kidneys may stop working altogether, but this is uncommon. Many people with kidney disease are able to live long, largely normal lives.
There are usually no symptoms of kidney disease in the early stages. It may only be picked up if blood or urine tests carried out for another reason detect a possible problem with your kidneys.
When it reaches a more advanced stage, symptoms can include:
-tiredness
-swollen ankles, feet or hands
-shortness of breath
-feeling sick
-blood in your urine
See your GP if you have persistent or worrying symptoms that you think could be caused by kidney disease.
Read more about the symptoms of kidney disease.
