Chronic Kidney Disease
 

Chronic Kidney Disease (or CKD) is the progressive loss in kidney function over a period of months or years. The symptoms or worsening kidney function are not specific and often go unnoticed until the degree of impairment is advanced. Worsening fatigue, memory problems and swelling are just a few of the symptoms patients with advanced CKD may experience. 

Physicians typically use 5 stages to characterize the degree of a patient's CKD. Those with Stage 1 have only slightly diminished function, while those with Stage 4 or 5 will need to start preparations for dialysis or transplant (sometimes both).

To learn more about Chronic Kidney Disease. Please view the attached file published by the National Kidney Foundation.