A LONG-TERM DECLINE IN KIDNEY FUNCTION

Chronic Kidney Disease

Q: Can chronic kidney disease be cured?

CKD generally cannot be cured, but its progression can be significantly slowed with structured care — particularly through optimal control of diabetes, blood pressure and other risk factors. Many patients live with stable kidney function for many years.

Q: How often should I have kidney function tests if I have CKD?

The frequency of monitoring depends on the stage of CKD and the rate of progression. Most patients need blood and urine tests every 3 to 6 months. Your doctor will personalise the schedule based on your situation.

Q: When is dialysis needed in CKD?

Dialysis is generally considered in advanced CKD (stage 5), when uraemic symptoms develop, fluid overload becomes difficult to control, or other complications occur. Preparation for dialysis or transplantation usually begins well before it is actually needed.

A long-term, progressive decline in kidney function, most often due to diabetes and hypertension. Slowed by structured care; advanced disease may need dialysis or transplant.

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Chronic kidney disease (CKD) evaluation and care in Hyderabad

Diabetes & BP TOP CAUSES

Slowed WITH STRUCTURED CARE

Specialist CO-MANAGEMENT

ABOUT THIS CONDITION

What is Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term, progressive loss of kidney function over months to years. The two leading causes worldwide are diabetes and high blood pressure, with other causes including glomerular diseases, polycystic kidney disease, recurrent kidney infections, obstruction and certain medications. CKD is often silent in the early stages and detected only on routine blood and urine tests. As the disease progresses, patients develop tiredness, swelling of the legs, reduced appetite, nausea, anaemia, bone problems, high blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances and cardiovascular complications. CKD is classified into stages 1–5 based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), with stage 5 representing end-stage kidney disease requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. Structured care focuses on slowing progression, treating complications and preparing for kidney replacement therapy when needed. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive CKD care in co-management with nephrology at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.

SIGNS TO WATCH

Common Symptoms

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Symptoms that need attention

Often no symptoms in early stages Tiredness and reduced energy Swelling of the legs or around the eyes Reduced appetite and nausea Itching and dry skin in advanced disease Breathlessness due to anaemia or fluid overload Difficult-to-control high blood pressure

WHY IT HAPPENS

Causes & Risk Factors

Diabetes mellitus (most common cause)
High blood pressure
Glomerular diseases
Polycystic kidney disease and inherited conditions
Recurrent kidney infections and obstruction
Certain medications and toxins
Older age and family history

CLINICAL DETAILS

KeyFacts

Diagnosis

Blood tests (creatinine, eGFR), urine tests (protein, blood), ultrasound and other investigations

Stages

CKD stages 1 to 5 — based on eGFR

Treatment

Slowing progression, treating complications and preparing for dialysis or transplant in advanced disease

Complications

Anaemia, bone disease, cardiovascular disease and electrolyte imbalances

Prevention

Good control of diabetes, blood pressure, healthy lifestyle and avoidance of nephrotoxic medications

Hospital

Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad — co-managed with specialist nephrology

HOW WE TREAT IT

Treatment Approach

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Slowing Progression with Structured CKD Care

The most effective approach is structured CKD care focused on slowing progression — optimal control of diabetes and blood pressure, kidney-protective medical therapy, dietary modification, avoidance of nephrotoxins, treatment of complications, and timely preparation for dialysis or transplant when needed.

1

Consultation & Assessment

Dr. Pravallika reviews medical history, examines the patient and arranges blood, urine and imaging tests to stage CKD and identify the cause.
2

Treatment Planning

A personalised plan is created in coordination with nephrology, focused on slowing progression and managing complications.
3

Medical Management

Optimal control of underlying conditions, kidney-protective therapy, treatment of anaemia and bone disease, dietary advice and lifestyle modification.
4

Recovery & Follow-up

Long-term follow-up with regular blood tests, monitoring of progression and timely preparation for dialysis or transplantation in advanced stages.

AVAILABLE TREATMENTS

Treatment Options

Treatment of Underlying Cause

Optimal control of diabetes, blood pressure and other underlying causes significantly slows CKD progression.

Kidney-Protective Medical Therapy

Specific medical therapy with kidney-protective properties is the cornerstone of slowing CKD in many patients.

Dietary Modification

Personalised dietary advice including controlled protein, salt and potassium intake supports kidney health.

Treatment of Complications

Treatment of anaemia, bone-mineral disease, acidosis and cardiovascular risk factors all improve outcomes in CKD.

Dialysis or Transplant in Advanced CKD (Referral for nephrology / transplant evaluation)

Patients with advanced CKD are prepared in a structured way for dialysis or kidney transplantation under specialist care.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Can chronic kidney disease be cured?+

How often should I have kidney function tests if I have CKD?+

When is dialysis needed in CKD?+

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