# Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease

Kidney care starts with two tests, a clear cause, and a plan that fits your life.

![Infographic: Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease](https://urinenephrology.org/visual-reference/images/patient-what-is-ckd.png?v=20261003c)

## What CKD means

Chronic kidney disease means a change in kidney function or a sign of kidney damage that lasts at least three months. Early kidney disease often causes no symptoms.

## Know your two kidney numbers

Ask for your eGFR blood result and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). UACR 30 mg/g or more may signal kidney damage if it persists. One abnormal result is not the whole diagnosis—ask when it should be repeated.

## Find the cause

Diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation, inherited conditions, and other problems can affect the kidneys. Finding the cause helps your team choose treatment.

## Protect what you have

Take prescribed medicines, keep follow-up visits, and discuss blood pressure, blood sugar, movement, smoking, and food choices. Ask before starting pain medicines or supplements.

## Leave with a written plan

Write down your kidney stage, blood-pressure goal, medicine list, next blood/urine test date, and whom to call when ill. Ask which medicines protect your kidneys and what to do during vomiting or poor intake.

## Call early; know emergencies

Call your team for new swelling, visible blood, much less urine, or persistent nausea. Call 911 for severe trouble breathing, chest pain, or sudden confusion. Do not wait for the next kidney appointment.

## Supporting evidence

- [Supporting guideline or source](https://kdigo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/KDIGO-2024-CKD-Guideline.pdf)

## Source lessons

- [what is ckd](https://urinenephrology.org/patient-handouts/what-is-ckd.html)

Read alongside the full lessons; the findings and decisions shown here require the stated clinical context.