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Your kidneys work continuously to filter waste and extra fluid from your blood, help maintain the right balance of fluids and minerals, and support several important functions in the body. When kidney function gradually becomes reduced or the kidneys are damaged over time, it may lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Chronic kidney disease can develop slowly, and many people have few or no symptoms in the early stages. This is why regular health checks are particularly important for people with risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or a family history of kidney disease. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can help slow the progression of CKD and reduce the risk of complications.
At Aspley Family Medical Practice, our GPs provide early assessment, ongoing monitoring and personalised care for patients living with chronic kidney disease. Our approach focuses on managing kidney health alongside other conditions that may affect it, such as diabetes and hypertension.
What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys become damaged or gradually lose their ability to function properly for three months or longer.
Healthy kidneys filter waste products from the blood and remove them through urine. They also help regulate fluid levels and maintain the body's chemical balance. When kidney function decreases, waste and fluid can build up in the body.
CKD can progress through different stages, from mild kidney damage to severe kidney failure. However, progression is not necessarily the same for everyone. Identifying the condition early and managing its underlying causes can help protect kidney function for longer.
Why Is Chronic Kidney Disease Sometimes Called a Silent Condition?
One of the challenges of chronic kidney disease is that it may not cause noticeable symptoms during its early stages.
A person can have kidney damage without feeling unwell. As kidney function declines, symptoms may become more noticeable. This makes routine kidney health checks particularly important for people who have an increased risk of CKD.
Kidney Health Australia recommends kidney health checks for people with important risk factors, including diabetes and high blood pressure. A kidney health check commonly involves a blood test, urine test and blood pressure measurement.
Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on the stage and severity of kidney disease. Early CKD may have no obvious symptoms.
As the condition progresses, some people may experience:
These symptoms can also occur with other health conditions, so experiencing one or more of them does not necessarily mean you have chronic kidney disease. A GP can assess your symptoms and determine whether further testing is appropriate.
What Causes Chronic Kidney Disease?
There are several possible causes of chronic kidney disease. In Australia, diabetes is one of the most common causes, as persistently high blood glucose levels can damage the blood vessels and filtering structures in the kidneys.
Another major cause is high blood pressure. Over time, uncontrolled hypertension can place extra strain on the blood vessels in the kidneys and contribute to kidney damage.
Other possible causes include:
Understanding the underlying cause is an important part of chronic kidney disease management because treatment may need to address both kidney function and the condition contributing to kidney damage.
Who Is at Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease?
Some people have a higher risk of developing kidney disease.
Risk factors can include:
Diabetes
High blood glucose over time can damage the kidneys. People living with diabetes may therefore need regular kidney health checks.
Hypertension can damage blood vessels in the kidneys and is an important risk factor for CKD.
Family History
Having close family members with kidney disease may increase your risk.
Cardiovascular Disease
Heart and blood vessel problems are closely connected with kidney health.
Smoking
Smoking can affect blood vessels and contribute to health problems that increase kidney disease risk.
Obesity
Living with obesity can increase the risk of conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which are associated with kidney disease.
Age
The risk of kidney disease increases with age. Kidney Health Australia also identifies age as an important risk factor when considering who may benefit from regular kidney health checks.
When Should You See a GP About Kidney Health?
You should speak with your GP if you notice possible symptoms of kidney disease or if you have risk factors that may increase your chances of developing CKD.
Consider discussing a kidney health check with your doctor if you have:
Because early CKD may not cause symptoms, you should not wait until you feel unwell before discussing your risk with your GP.
How Is Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosed?
Your GP will consider your symptoms, medical history, risk factors and overall health. Blood pressure may also be checked as part of the assessment.
Common tests used to assess kidney health include:
Blood Tests
Blood tests can measure substances such as creatinine and help estimate how well your kidneys are filtering blood. One important measure is the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
Urine Tests
A urine test can check for blood and albumin, a protein that may appear in the urine when the kidneys are damaged.
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Blood pressure is closely linked with kidney health, so regular monitoring can form an important part of assessment and ongoing care.
Imaging
Depending on your circumstances, your doctor may recommend imaging such as an ultrasound to examine the kidneys and urinary tract.
Further investigations or referral to a nephrologist may be recommended when the cause of kidney problems is unclear or specialist assessment is required.
Understanding CKD Stages
Chronic kidney disease is generally divided into five stages according to kidney function and evidence of kidney damage.
The eGFR is one of the important measures used to assess kidney function. However, an eGFR result is not considered in isolation. Other information, including urine findings such as the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), can also help doctors assess kidney health and disease severity.
Your GP can explain what your results mean and whether further testing or monitoring is required.
How Is Chronic Kidney Disease Managed?
There is currently no single treatment that works for every person with CKD. Management depends on the cause, stage of kidney disease, other health conditions and individual circumstances.
The main goals are to protect remaining kidney function, manage the underlying cause and reduce the risk of complications.
Your management plan may include:
Managing Blood Pressure
Keeping blood pressure within the range recommended by your doctor can help protect your kidneys and cardiovascular health.
Managing Blood Sugar
For people with diabetes, appropriate blood glucose management is an important part of protecting kidney health.
Managing Cholesterol
Your doctor may recommend treatment to manage cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Medicines
Some medicines may help manage conditions contributing to kidney disease or protect kidney function. It is important to tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements and natural products you take because some medicines can affect kidney function.
Regular Monitoring
Regular appointments and testing allow your healthcare team to monitor kidney function, review treatment and identify changes early.
Lifestyle and Kidney Health
Lifestyle changes can form an important part of chronic kidney disease management.
Depending on your individual health needs, your GP may recommend:
People with CKD may have different nutritional requirements depending on their kidney function and other medical conditions. It is therefore important not to make major dietary restrictions without discussing them with your GP or dietitian.
Why Regular Monitoring Matters
Chronic kidney disease is a long-term condition, so ongoing monitoring is an important part of care.
Regular appointments can help your GP:
If CKD becomes more advanced, additional medical care may be needed. In severe kidney failure, treatment options can include dialysis, kidney transplantation or supportive care, depending on the person's circumstances.
Chronic Kidney Disease Management at AFMDP
At Aspley Family Medical Practice, our GPs provide patient-centred care for people who need assessment, monitoring and ongoing management of chronic kidney disease.
Our CKD care includes:
The practice also works with allied health professionals where appropriate. AFMDP's current CKD information notes that eligible patients with a chronic disease management plan may be able to access subsidised dietitian visits on-site for kidney-friendly nutrition support.
The aim is not simply to treat a test result but to understand the factors affecting your overall health and provide ongoing care that suits your individual needs.
Take Care of Your Kidney Health
Chronic kidney disease can develop quietly, but early detection can make a meaningful difference to long-term management. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney disease or another risk factor, talk to your GP about whether a kidney health check is appropriate for you.
If you have symptoms such as persistent swelling, changes in urination, unexplained fatigue or other concerns about your kidney health, an assessment can help identify whether further investigation is needed.
For chronic kidney disease management in Aspley, speak with the team at Aspley Family Medical Practice and arrange an appointment for personalised assessment and ongoing care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early symptoms of chronic kidney disease?
Early chronic kidney disease often causes no noticeable symptoms. As kidney function declines, symptoms may include tiredness, swelling, changes in urination, itchy skin, nausea and shortness of breath. Testing is important because symptoms may not appear in the early stages.
What is the main cause of chronic kidney disease?
Diabetes is one of the most common causes of chronic kidney disease in Australia. High blood pressure is another major cause and risk factor. Other causes include kidney inflammation, genetic conditions and urinary tract problems.
How is chronic kidney disease diagnosed?
Doctors commonly use blood tests, urine tests and blood pressure measurements to assess kidney health. Tests may include eGFR, creatinine and urine albumin measurements. Imaging may also be recommended when appropriate.
Can chronic kidney disease be treated?
While chronic kidney disease cannot always be reversed, appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes can help slow its progression and reduce the risk of complications. Management depends on the cause and stage of CKD.
How often should I have a kidney health check?
The appropriate frequency depends on your risk factors and individual health. Kidney Health Australia recommends yearly checks for people with diabetes, high blood pressure and First Nations Australians over 18, while people with other risk factors may require checks every two years. Your GP can advise you about the appropriate schedule.
Does AFMDP manage chronic kidney disease?
Yes. Aspley Family Medical Practice provides ongoing chronic kidney disease management, including monitoring, blood and urine testing, personalised care and coordination with nephrologists when specialist care is required.
Can I see a dietitian for kidney disease?
Eligible patients with a chronic disease management plan may be able to access subsidised dietitian visits at AFMDP. A dietitian can help develop nutrition advice suited to your kidney function and individual health needs.
Where can I get chronic kidney disease care in Aspley?
Aspley Family Medical Practice provides chronic kidney disease assessment and ongoing GP care at Shop 1, Aspley Arcade 2 Shopping Centre, 1368 Gympie Road, Aspley QLD 4034. You can contact the practice to arrange an appointment and discuss your kidney health concerns.
