Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease means the kidneys slowly lose their ability to clean waste and extra water from the blood over months or years. The most common causes are diabetes and high blood pressure. It often has no symptoms until late, so people at risk need regular urine and blood tests. Early care can slow it down and avoid the need for dialysis.
Symptoms
- Usually no symptoms in the early stages
- Swelling of the feet, ankles or face
- Tiredness and weakness
- Passing more or less urine than usual, or foamy urine
- Poor appetite, nausea and itchy skin (later stages)