Kidney disease: what to know and what to do now

Kidney disease can sneak up on you. The CDC estimates about 15% of U.S. adults have chronic kidney disease (CKD), and many don’t know it. That makes spotting early warning signs and getting the right tests more than useful — it can change the outcome.

Symptoms & tests that actually matter

Early CKD often has no symptoms. When signs appear, they’re easy to miss: tiredness, swelling in ankles or around the eyes, foamy urine, changes in how often you pee, and poor appetite. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, pay extra attention—those two are the top causes.

Ask your doctor for two simple tests: a blood test for eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) and a urine albumin test. eGFR under 60 for three months usually means CKD. A urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio shows if your kidneys are leaking protein — an early red flag.

Everyday steps to protect your kidneys

Control blood pressure and blood sugar. Tight control of BP (often with ACE inhibitors or ARBs) slows kidney damage. If you’re on diabetes meds, keeping A1c in a target range helps, too. Small changes add up: cut down on salt, move more, and aim for steady weight loss if needed.

Avoid stunt damage from medicines. Over-the-counter NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) can harm kidneys when used often. Also be cautious with certain antibiotics and contrast dyes—tell your doctor if you have reduced kidney function before scans or new meds.

Watch diet, but don’t overdo it. Reducing processed foods and limiting sodium helps. Protein needs depend on CKD stage—too much can strain kidneys, too little can cause muscle loss. Talk with a dietitian who knows kidney care rather than guessing online.

Stay on top of labs. If you have CKD, regular monitoring of eGFR, electrolytes (potassium), and bone-mineral measures (calcium, phosphorus) matters. That helps catch problems early and keeps medication safe.

When to see a kidney specialist? If eGFR drops below 30, if urine albumin is high, or if you have hard-to-control blood pressure or repeated electrolyte problems, ask for a nephrology referral. They’ll discuss options such as medication tweaks, dialysis planning, or transplant evaluation if needed.

This tag page collects easy-to-read guides and practical pieces to help you manage kidney risks—articles about safer pain relievers, medication buying tips, and drug side effects are all useful when you’re protecting your kidneys. If you’re worried now, book tests and get clear targets from your clinician. Small, steady steps protect kidney function better than quick fixes.