Chronic kidney disease - recognise it early, take targeted action
Dr. med. Robert Schorn
June 20, 2025
15 min
Our kidneys perform vital tasks - they regulate the fluid balance, filter the blood and keep the blood pressure in balance. If these functions are impaired over a long period of time, this is known as chronic kidney disease. The disease often progresses gradually and goes unnoticed for a long time. In our blog post, you can find out the underlying causes, how to recognise the first signs, what modern treatment options are available - and what you can do to prevent it yourself.
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Chronic kidney disease: what you should know
Our kidneys filter large quantities of blood every day and ensure a healthy balance in the body. If kidney function is impaired, this can have many effects - from fatigue to serious health problems. In this article you will learn everything you need to know about the causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment of chronic kidney disease. Stay informed and protect your kidneys in the long term.
What is chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease describes a condition in which the kidneys partially or completely lose their filtering function. A distinction is made between
- Acute renal dysfunction: Sudden loss of function, often triggered by acute illness, medication, accidents or surgery. This form can be reversible, but it is not uncommon for complete recovery to fail to materialise.
- Chronic kidney disease: gradual damage that develops over months or years.
What are the causes of chronic kidney disease?
The most common causes are
- Diabetes mellitus: High blood sugar levels damage the fine filter structures of the kidney.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure can affect the blood vessels in the kidneys in the long term
- Non-infectious kidney diseases: For example, glomerulonephritis.
- Drug and toxin damage: Certain medications or toxins can affect the kidney.
- Disruption of urine drainage from the kidney: Chronic events can suddenly restrict kidney function. In some cases, the cause is a disruption in the flow of urine from the kidney, which is known as a postrenal cause. This means that the urine cannot pass unhindered from the kidney into the bladder - for example due to urinary retention or residual urine formation. In men in particular, this can occur in connection with an enlarged prostate, which obstructs the flow of urine and thus leads to a backflow onto the kidneys.
What are the causes of chronic kidney disease?
The most common causes are
- Diabetes mellitus: High blood sugar levels damage the fine filter structures of the kidney.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure can affect the blood vessels in the kidneys in the long term
- Non-infectious kidney diseases: For example, glomerulonephritis.
- Drug and toxin damage: Certain medications or toxins can affect the kidney.
- Injuries and circulatory disorders: Chronic events can suddenly limit kidney function. In some cases, the cause is a disruption in the flow of urine from the kidney, which is known as a postrenal cause. This means that the urine cannot pass unhindered from the kidney into the bladder - for example due to urinary retention or residual urine formation. In men in particular, this can occur in connection with an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), which impedes the flow of urine and thus leads to a backflow onto the kidneys.
What symptoms indicate chronic kidney disease?
In the early stages, there are often no noticeable or unspecific symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may occur:
- Tiredness (partly due to anaemia) and lack of concentration
- Water retention in the legs, hands or face
- High blood pressure that is difficult to control
- Changes in urination (increased, decreased or bloody and foamy urine)
- Nausea, itching and loss of appetite and unpleasant taste in the mouth
How is chronic kidney disease diagnosed?
Chronic kidney disease is diagnosed through various examinations. Firstly, blood tests are carried out in which, among other things, creatinine and urea are measured and the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is determined in order to assess kidney function. In addition, urine tests are carried out to detect protein, blood or other abnormalities in the urine. An ultrasound of the kidneys should also be used to visualise their size, structure, blood flow and urine outflow. In some cases, if the cause is unclear or a more precise diagnosis is required, a kidney sample is taken, during which a tissue sample is taken and analysed under a microscope.
Prevention
- Generally healthy lifestyle
- Avoidance of obesity
- Recognise and consistently treat high blood pressure
- Recognise and consistently treat diabetes
- Never take long-term medication without consulting your family doctor
How is chronic kidney disease treated?
Although a cure for chronic kidney disease is rarely possible, the progression of the disease can be significantly slowed down with targeted measures. The focus here is on optimising the treatment of underlying diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. In recent years, the treatment of chronic kidney disease has improved significantly. In addition to blood pressure and blood sugar control, new drugs are used to inhibit the progression of the disease.
Furthermore, new drugs for specific kidney diseases have come onto the market in recent years, which can treat the cause of these specific kidney diseases (which themselves lead to chronic kidney disease) in a targeted and significantly better way.
An adapted diet with reduced salt and protein intake can also relieve the kidneys. It is also important to avoid contact with substances that damage the kidneys in order to prevent further damage. In advanced stages of chronic kidney disease, various dialysis procedures or, if necessary, a kidney transplant are used to replace organ function
Our nephrology department offers comprehensive diagnostics and customised treatment options for chronic kidney diseases. From preventive care to conservative therapies and dialysis, experienced specialists are at your side. Find out here about our range of services and how we can accompany you on your journey.
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