Dr. Neeraj Saini

Your Kidneys and Their Role

Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of your spine. They play a vital role in keeping your body healthy by:

Filtering waste and excess fluids from your blood
Balancing electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium
Producing hormones that help control blood pressure, make red blood cells, and keep bones strong

Healthy kidneys are essential for your overall well-being.

Acute vs Chronic Kidney Disease – What You Should Know

Acute Kidney Disease (AKD)

Sudden loss of kidney function, often over hours or days
Can be caused by severe dehydration, infections, medications, or surgery
Often reversible with prompt treatment

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. Early detection is key to slowing its progression and maintaining a healthy life.

Common Symptoms of CKD

CKD often develops slowly, and symptoms may not appear in the early stages. Some signs to watch out for include:

Fatigue or feeling unusually tired
Swelling in hands, feet, or around the eyes (edema)
Changes in urination — more frequent, less frequent, or foamy urine
Persistent itching
Muscle cramps, especially in the legs
Shortness of breath (fluid buildup)
Loss of appetite or nausea
Trouble sleeping or difficulty concentrating

⚠️ Note: Many early CKD patients may have no symptoms — regular check-ups are important if you have risk factors.

Who is at Risk?

Diabetes
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Family history of kidney disease
Age over 60
History of recurrent kidney infections or kidney stones

When to Consult a Nephrologist

Have any of the CKD symptoms mentioned above
Have persistent protein or blood in your urine
Have elevated creatinine or abnormal kidney function tests
Have uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure despite treatment
Want guidance on diet, lifestyle, or medications to protect kidney health

Early consultation with a nephrologist can help prevent complications and slow CKD progression.

Tips for Maintaining Kidney Health

Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet
Monitor blood pressure and blood sugar regularly
Avoid excessive use of painkillers (NSAIDs)
Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly
Attend regular kidney function check-ups

Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

CKD progresses slowly and is divided into five stages, depending on how well your kidneys are working. This is measured by a blood test called eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) — which shows how effectively your kidneys are cleaning your blood.

Stage 1 – Mild Kidney Damage (eGFR ≥ 90)

Kidneys work almost normally
May have protein in urine or early signs of damage
No obvious symptoms
Focus: Control BP, sugar, avoid painkillers, eat healthy

Stage 2 – Mild Loss of Function (eGFR 60–89)

Slightly reduced kidney function
Usually no symptoms
Lifestyle changes and medication can help protect kidneys

Stage 3 – Moderate Loss of Function (eGFR 30–59)

Waste starts to build up in the blood
You may feel tired, weak, or have swelling in the legs
Regular checkups and kidney-friendly diet are important

Stage 4 – Severe Loss of Function (eGFR 15–29)

Kidneys are severely damaged
Symptoms become more noticeable
Doctor will prepare you for dialysis or transplant

Stage 5 – Kidney Failure (eGFR < 15)

Kidneys can no longer work properly
Dialysis or kidney transplant is needed to survive
Requires close and continuous medical care

Types of Dialysis

When your kidneys are not working well enough to clean your blood, dialysis helps remove waste and extra water from your body. There are two main types of dialysis: Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis.

Hemodialysis (HD)

In this type, your blood is cleaned outside your body using a special machine. The machine takes your blood, removes waste and extra fluid, and sends clean blood back to you.

Usually done in a hospital or dialysis center — 2 to 3 times a week, each session lasting 4–5 hours
A small surgery is done to make a fistula or graft (a special blood vessel) in your arm for dialysis

Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)

In this type, your own belly (abdomen) is used to clean your blood. A soft tube (called a catheter) is placed in your abdomen. A special dialysis fluid goes into your belly, stays there for a few hours, and then drains out — taking away waste products.

There are two main ways to do PD:

CAPD (Continuous Ambulatory PD): You change the fluid yourself 3–4 times a day
APD (Automated PD): A machine does it automatically while you sleep at night

Both methods work well. Your doctor will help you choose which type suits you best — depending on your lifestyle, comfort, medical condition, and support at home.

Dr. Neeraj Saini

Patient Education

Your Kidneys and Their Role

Acute vs Chronic Kidney Disease – What You Should Know

Acute Kidney Disease (AKD)

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Common Symptoms of CKD

Who is at Risk?

When to Consult a Nephrologist

Tips for Maintaining Kidney Health

Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Stage 1 – Mild Kidney Damage (eGFR ≥ 90)

Stage 2 – Mild Loss of Function (eGFR 60–89)

Stage 3 – Moderate Loss of Function (eGFR 30–59)

Stage 4 – Severe Loss of Function (eGFR 15–29)

Stage 5 – Kidney Failure (eGFR < 15)

Types of Dialysis

Hemodialysis (HD)

Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)

Dr. Neeraj Saini

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