Chronic Renal Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.

What kind of doctor treats Chronic Renal Disease?

A nephrologist, which is a kidney doctor, treats chronic renal disease. A dietitian can also help by making a kidney-healthy eating plan. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.

What is chronic renal disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is also known as chronic renal failure. CKD usually causes the slow loss of kidney function over time. The main job of the kidneys is to remove wastes and excess water from the body. With CKD, your kidneys are damaged and can't filter blood as they should. This damage can cause wastes to build up in your body.

CKD usually gets worse over time, though treatment has been shown to slow progression. The final stage of CKD is called end-stage renal disease. At this stage, the kidneys can no longer remove enough wastes and extra fluid from the body. Not all people with kidney disease progress to kidney failure.

Symptoms

You may not notice any symptoms for some time. The loss of function may be so slow that you do not have symptoms until your kidneys have almost stopped working. The early symptoms are the same as for many other illnesses. Early symptoms can include:

  • Loss of appetite.
  • A general ill feeling and tiredness.
  • Headaches.
  • Itching and dry skin.
  • Nausea.
  • Weight loss without trying to lose weight.

Symptoms that can occur when kidney function has gotten worse include:

  • Bone pain.
  • Drowsiness or problems concentrating or thinking.
  • Numbness in the hands and feet.
  • Muscle twitching or cramps.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Swelling in the hands and feet.
  • Vomiting.

Blood and urine tests are the only way to know if you have kidney disease.

Causes and who gets it

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the 2 most common causes of CKD and account for most cases. Many other diseases and conditions can damage the kidneys, including:

  • Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and scleroderma.
  • Birth defects of the kidneys, such as polycystic kidney disease.
  • Injury to the kidney.
  • Kidney stones and infection.
  • Some medicines, such as antibiotics, and pain and cancer medicines.

More than 1 in 7 American adults has CKD, and as many as 9 in 10 don't know they have it. Smoking can worsen kidney disease.

How doctors diagnose it

Specific blood and urine tests are needed to check for CKD. These tests measure the creatinine level in the blood and protein in the urine. A urinalysis may show protein or other changes in your urine. These changes may appear months to years before symptoms appear. Tests that check how well the kidneys are working include creatinine clearance, serum creatinine level, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Other tests that may be done to look for the cause or type of kidney disease include an ultrasound, a CT scan, an MRI, or a kidney biopsy.

Treatment

Treatments cannot cure kidney disease, but they may slow kidney disease. Blood pressure control will slow further kidney damage. Doctors use medicines called ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) most often for this. Other medicines can help control blood sugar and lower cholesterol. Always talk to your provider before taking any over-the-counter medicine, including vitamins, herbs and supplements. Your provider may have you follow a special diet for CKD.

Healthy habits can also help protect the kidneys. You can choose foods with less salt. Being physically active and not smoking also help. People with CKD should be up to date on vaccines such as the flu vaccine. If your kidneys fail, you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis removes waste from your blood when your kidneys can no longer do their job.

When to see a doctor

Get tested for CKD regularly if you're at risk. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney failure. Many people are not diagnosed with CKD until they have lost most of their kidney function. Seizures are one possible complication of CKD. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, a seizure, or a sudden change in mental state, such as confusion.

How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in

A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Care for CKD includes keeping your blood pressure at the target your doctor sets for you. The CDC also advises including a kidney doctor on your health care team.

Common questions

Can chronic renal disease be cured?

No, treatments cannot cure kidney disease, but they may slow it. CKD may still get worse over time.

Does chronic renal disease cause symptoms right away?

No, many people do not have any symptoms until their kidney disease is very advanced. Blood and urine tests are the only way to know if you have it.

What causes chronic renal disease?

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes. Many other diseases and conditions can damage the kidneys too.

Does chronic renal disease lead to kidney failure?

Sometimes, but not always. Not all people with kidney disease progress to kidney failure. Whether it worsens to end-stage renal disease, and how quickly, depends on the cause of kidney damage and how well you take care of yourself.

What can I do to keep my kidneys healthier?

You can take steps to keep your kidneys healthier longer. These include choosing foods with less salt. If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar in the target range.

Sources

  1. MedlinePlus - Chronic kidney disease
  2. MedlinePlus - Chronic Kidney Disease
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Chronic Kidney Disease Basics

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.