Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the presence of kidney damage or a decreased level of kidney function for a period of three months or more. Kidney disease can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, lead to kidney failure (sometimes called end-stage kidney disease, or ESKD). Kidney disease often starts slowly and develops without symptoms over several years, so CKD may not be detected until it has progressed to the point where your kidney function is quite low. Fortunately, most people do not progress to kidney failure, especially if they are diagnosed early and are able to take steps to preserve their remaining kidney function. Learn more about what you can do to slow the decline of kidney function and avoid or delay kidney failure.