Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a term that doctors use to include any abnormality of the kidneys, even if there is only very slight damage. Chronic means that your condition will not get completely better but CKD can often mean only a very slight abnormality in the kidneys rather than a severe one.

CKD is very common but more than 9 out of 10 people with CKD never require dialysis (artificial kidney treatment) or a kidney transplant. However, if you have CKD you have a higher risk of heart attack or stroke, especially if you smoke or are overweight.

How do I know if I have CKD?

In most cases CKD does not cause any symptoms and is detected because tests such as urine tests or blood tests are abnormal.

What is the treatment for CKD?

If you have CKD, you should:

• Lose weight (if overweight), and take regular exercise
• Stop smoking
• Reduce the amount of salt you eat eat to help control the blood pressure
• Eat a healthy balanced diet
• Have your annual flu jab (influenza vaccination) and the pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccine (talk to your GP about this).

If you have diabetes as well as CKD, you should take extra care to control your blood pressure, blood sugar level and cholesterol level.

Most people with CKD are able to lead normal lives. Some specific types of kidney disease run in families and you should check with your health professional to see if testing of family members is needed.

How can Birmingham OwnHealth help me with my CKD?

With the support of your Care Manager, you can:

• Know when to call for help
• Learn about your CKD and set goals
• Take any medications correctly
• Get the tests and services you need
• Take steps to control your CKD
• Make lifestyle changes to feel better
• Learn ways to solve problems
• Keep your appointments

Useful links

• Equip
  NHS website with links to information-rich websites and a list of support groups and services related to kidney disease. The websites have been accredited by staff at NHS West Midlands and are aimed at the public.
• UK National Kidney Federation
  A national charity run by kidney patients for kidney patients, with medical advice and details of the local Kidney Patients Association.
• Kidney Research UK
  With information on kidney disease, news and events and how you can support the charity’s research.
• Birmingham LINk
  Birmingham Local Involvement Network (LINk) helps local people and organisations to speak with one voice, influencing key decision makers in improving health and social care service provision across the city. You can support Birmingham LINk by becoming an active member and letting them know about the issues affecting your community.