Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and treatment

PDF download is not available for Arabic and Urdu languages at this time. Please use the browser print function instead

Find out what happens to the body and what treatments are available when the kidneys are not working properly.

Key points

  • When the kidneys are not working properly, this can lead to a build-up of waste products and minerals in the blood, puffiness, low vitamin D, high blood pressure, poor growth and fatigue.
  • There are many causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Treating an underlying cause may slow progression. 
  • Treatment for CKD depends on its severity and can include medications to control blood pressure and protein loss, optimizing growth and nutrition, and preventing further injury to the kidneys by drinking a recommended amount of fluid and avoiding certain medications.
  • Kidney failure, the most severe stage of CKD, requires kidney replacement therapy. Kidney replacement therapy includes kidney transplant and dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis).
Last updated: 七月 30th 2025