Our kidneys continuously filter our blood, adjusting fluid and chemical levels, and flushing waste products and water out into the urine. They also regulate blood pressure and the production of red blood cells, and produce vitamin D for our bones and teeth. CKD – gradually deteriorating kidney function – affects one in eight of us.
The causes
CKD sometimes follows temporary kidney failure caused, for example, by toxins, blood loss or sepsis. But it usually develops gradually, often in diabetes, raised blood pressure, obesity and/or cardiovascular (arterial) disease, especially in people of Asian, African or African- Caribbean ethnic origin.
Smoking, infections, cysts, immune system disorders, cancer and urinary blockages, as well as drugs, such as ibuprofen and lithium, can also damage our kidneys.
People who have these conditions or take…
