Mar 26, 2025
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Health
Chronic kidney disease can be a silent condition
By Leslie Feldman
Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, affects millions of people, and many don’t even know they have it. Because symptoms often don’t appear until the condition has progressed, awareness and early detection are critical. This National Kidney Month, learn about the signs of CKD and what practitioners do to slow the disease progression.
What it is
CKD occurs when the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. This process happens slowly, often over months or even years.
“Most people don’t feel symptoms early on, which is why CKD is often called a ‘silent’ condition,” said Kazi Khan, MD, a nephrologist and program director of the TidalHealth Nephrology Fellowship.
As kidney function declines, patients may begin to notice:
- Swelling in the legs or around the eyes
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Foamy urine
- High blood pressure
These symptoms overlap with many other conditions, so routine checkups are especially important for people with diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease.
Why early diagnosis matters
Early detection can dramatically change the course of CKD.
“When CKD is found early, simple steps, like controlling blood pressure, managing diabetes, adjusting medications and adopting healthier lifestyle habits, can significantly slow the disease,” Dr. Khan said.
Waiting for symptoms to develop often limits treatment options. That’s why regular screenings and lab work are so important, particularly for higher-risk individuals.
A team approach
Dr. Khan said kidney care doesn’t happen in isolation. It requires coordination with different medical professionals as well as community organizations and public-facing health platforms. TidalHealth plays a central role in fostering these partnerships across the region.
In addition, the TidalHealth Nephrology Fellowship trains future kidney specialists who actively participate in community education and patient support, strengthening the region’s long-term kidney care infrastructure, Dr. Khan said.
Treatment options
According to Dr. Khan, treatment varies depending on the stage of the disease, but the primary goals remain the same: slow progression and improve quality of life.
Common approaches include:
- Controlling blood pressure and diabetes
- Adjusting medications to protect kidney function
- Following kidney-friendly nutrition guidance
- Treating anemia, swelling or electrolyte imbalances
- Preparing for dialysis or transplant if the kidneys become severely damaged
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Comprehensive support for patients
TidalHealth provides a range of services to support patients living with kidney disease, including educational classes, nutritional counseling, chronic disease management resources and coordinated care planning.
The health system also offers a collaborative platform where dialysis units, physicians and clinical integration teams regularly meet to address community health needs and improve care coordination.
Time for a transplant?
Kidney transplantation becomes part of the discussion when CKD reaches an advanced stage, typically when kidney function drops below about 20 percent.
“Early referral is important because transplant evaluation takes time, and many patients benefit from joining the transplant list as soon as they are eligible,” Dr. Khan said.
Patients who receive a living-donor transplant generally experience a shorter wait time and improved outcomes.
Leslie Feldman is a seasoned content strategist specializing in healthcare systems, with a passion for crafting patient-centered, clinically accurate and impactful content. With extensive experience bridging the gap between medical expertise and audience engagement, Feldman helps healthcare organizations communicate complex information clearly, building trust with patients and practitioners, and driving meaningful health outcomes.
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