Chronic Kidney Disease

Overview

Chronic Kidney Disease is a gradual, often silent decline in kidney function that affects an estimated one in ten adults. Because the kidneys filter waste, balance salts and control blood pressure, even a modest fall in performance can trigger wide-ranging health problems.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, Aylesbury you can access fast testing, consultant-led treatment plans and ongoing nutritional and cardiovascular support—all without NHS waiting lists.

Why Early Action Matters — Future Health Risks

• Heart Attack and Stroke – reduced kidney function stiffens arteries and drives up blood pressure.
• Fluid Overload and Heart Failure – salt and water build-up strains the heart and lungs.
• Bone Thinning (Renal Osteodystrophy) – disrupted vitamin-D activation weakens bones and teeth.
• Anaemia and Chronic Fatigue – falling erythropoietin levels cut red-cell production.
• End-Stage Kidney Failure – without treatment, some patients eventually need dialysis or a transplant.
• Drug Toxicity – common medicines, including NSAIDs and certain antibiotics, can accumulate to harmful levels.

Managing CKD early reduces these complications and preserves quality of life.

Symptoms You Might Notice

• Persistent tiredness or breathlessness
• Swollen ankles, puffy eyes or unexpected weight gain
• Passing less urine, or foamy urine from protein loss
• High blood pressure that is hard to control
• Itching skin, muscle cramps or restless legs, especially at night
• Metallic taste, loss of appetite or nausea

Many people have no noticeable symptoms until late stages—routine blood tests often give the first clue.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

• Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
• High Blood Pressure over many years
• Family History of kidney failure or inherited disorders such as polycystic kidneys
• Cardiovascular Disease, Obesity or Smoking
• Long-Term Use of Certain Medicines (e.g. NSAIDs, proton-pump inhibitors)
• Older Age – natural decline accelerates above 60
• Ethnicity – higher risk in people of South Asian or Black African heritage

When to Seek Medical Advice

Arrange a consultation if you experience:

• Persistent ankle swelling, frothy urine or uncontrolled blood pressure
• Unexplained fatigue, itching or nausea lasting more than two weeks
• Known diabetes or hypertension with rising creatinine on recent blood tests
• A family history of kidney failure and new urinary or blood-pressure changes

Prompt assessment helps slow progression and avoids emergency dialysis.

How We Diagnose and Monitor CKD

1. Specialist Renal Consultation – detailed history, medication review and physical examination
2. Rapid Laboratory Testing – estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, electrolytes and full blood count via our Blood-Testing Service, with results typically back within 24 hours.
3. CT or Ultrasound Imaging – high-resolution scanning in our CT Suite to check kidney size, stones or blockages.
4. Cardiovascular Assessment – ECG and lipid profile to gauge heart risk.
5. Regular Surveillance – scheduled bloods and blood-pressure checks track progression and adjust therapy.

Treatment and Continuing Support

• Blood-Pressure Control – ACE inhibitors or ARBs are first choice; targets are tailored to your age and comorbidity.
• Diabetes Optimisation – modern glucose-lowering agents that also protect kidneys.
• Cholesterol-Lowering Therapy – statins reduce heart-attack and stroke risk.
• Dietetic Guidance – our Dietetic Team designs meal plans moderating salt, phosphate and potassium while maintaining adequate protein.
• Anaemia Management – iron replacement and erythropoiesis-stimulating treatments when needed.
• Lifestyle Coaching – weight management, smoking cessation and graded exercise with our Rehabilitation Service.
• Medication Safety Review – pharmacists adjust doses and flag drugs that can harm kidneys.
• Referral for Advanced Therapies – when appropriate, we coordinate smooth transfer to regional dialysis or transplant centres.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Chronic Kidney Disease Be Reversed?
Early-stage CKD can sometimes stabilise or improve with strict blood-pressure and diabetes control, though advanced scarring is permanent.

How Often Will I Need Tests?
Most patients repeat blood and urine tests every three to six months, more often if function is changing quickly.

What About Fluid Intake?
Unless you have heart failure or severe swelling, aim for 1.5–2 litres of water daily. Your clinician will give a personalised target.

Protect Your Kidneys Today

Call 01296 678 800 or enquire online to book your CKD assessment and personalised management plan.