How Chronic Kidney Disease Is Diagnosed?

If you’ve been hearing the term chronic kidney disease (CKD) and wondering what it really means, or what the CKD diagnosis criteria really are, it can all feel a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry. Let’s break it down in a calm, easy-to-understand way, just like how a friend would explain it over a cup of tea.

Chronic kidney disease means that your kidneys, the bean-shaped organs that filter your blood, aren’t working as well as they should. The word “chronic” means it happens slowly over time. And here’s the thing: CKD doesn’t usually cause major symptoms in the early stages. That’s why diagnosis is so important; it’s often the only way to catch it early before things get worse.

So, how do doctors diagnose chronic kidney disease? Let’s walk through the process together.

What is the First Sign of Kidney Problems?

• Swelling in ankles, feet, or hands
• Fatigue or weakness
• Changes in urination (frequency, color, or foaming)
• Puffiness around the eyes
• Difficulty concentrating

CKD Diagnosis Criteria

• Step 1: It All Starts With a Simple Check-Up

Most of the time, CKD is first suspected during a routine check-up or blood test. Maybe your doctor notices something a little off in your bloodwork. Or maybe you’ve been feeling tired, or your ankles have been swelling, and you decide to get things checked out. Either way, the first step toward diagnosing kidney issues is usually just a conversation and a few basic tests.

Your doctor will likely ask about:

• Any swelling, fatigue, or changes in urination
• Your medical history, like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart problems
• Family history of kidney disease
• Any medications or supplements you’re taking

From there, they’ll order a few specific tests to see how well your kidneys are doing.

• Step 2: Blood Tests – The GFR and Creatinine Story

The main test doctors use to check kidney function is a blood test called serum creatinine. Creatinine is a waste product that your muscles make naturally. Normally, your kidneys filter it out of your blood. But if your kidneys are struggling, creatinine levels in your blood can build up.

Now, this is where something called eGFR comes in. That stands for estimated glomerular filtration rate. It’s a number that tells you how well your kidneys are filtering waste.

• A normal eGFR is 90 or above.
• An eGFR below 60 for more than three months suggests chronic kidney disease.
• The lower the number, the more advanced the disease.

It’s kind of like a report card for your kidneys.

• Step 3: Urine Tests – Checking for Protein

Another super important test is a urine test, especially to look for protein. Normally, healthy kidneys don’t let much protein leak into your urine. But when the kidneys are damaged, they might start “spilling” protein. This condition is called proteinuria or albuminuria.

You might hear about tests like:

• Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) – This shows how much albumin (a type of protein) is in your urine compared to creatinine. A result over 30 mg/g could be a sign of kidney disease.
• Dipstick test – A quick test that shows whether there’s protein or blood in your urine.

Urine tests are like a sneak peek into how your kidneys are functioning daily.

• Step 4: Imaging Tests – Taking a Look Inside

Sometimes, doctors need to take a closer look at your kidneys. That’s where imaging tests come in.

• Ultrasound is the most common one. It’s painless and lets doctors see the size and shape of your kidneys. Shrinking kidneys can be a sign of chronic disease.
• CT scan or MRI might be used in some cases if there’s a need to look for blockages, cysts, or other abnormalities.

Imaging helps doctors rule out other issues that might be affecting kidney function.

• Step 5: Kidney Biopsy – When More Information Is Needed

In some cases, when the cause of kidney damage isn’t clear, your doctor might recommend a kidney biopsy. It sounds scary, but it’s actually a pretty straightforward procedure. They take a tiny sample of kidney tissue using a needle (usually under local anesthesia), and then look at it under a microscope.

This can help diagnose specific types of kidney disease or check how much damage has already been done.

• Step 6: Watching Over Time – Not Just One Test

Here’s something important to remember: CKD isn’t diagnosed from just one odd test result. To be considered “chronic,” the problem has to last at least three months.

So even if your eGFR is low one time, or there’s a little protein in your urine, your doctor will usually repeat tests over time to confirm what’s going on.

Other Things That Might Be Checked

Your doctor might also look at:

• Electrolytes – Like potassium, sodium, and calcium levels, which your kidneys help balance.
• Blood pressure – High blood pressure can both cause and result from kidney disease.
• Hemoglobin levels – Anemia (low red blood cells) is common in people with CKD.
• Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D levels – Because kidney disease affects bone health, too.

What If You Do Have CKD?

If the tests confirm you have chronic kidney disease, don’t panic. While it sounds serious—and it is something to take seriously, it doesn’t mean your kidneys will stop working tomorrow. Many people live for years with CKD, especially when it’s caught early and managed well.

Treatment usually focuses on:

• Managing underlying conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure)
• Eating a kidney-friendly diet
• Staying hydrated
• Avoiding over-the-counter meds that can harm your kidneys (like too much ibuprofen)
• Using medications prescribed by your doctor

In Ayurveda, this is where gentle herbal support and lifestyle changes can also make a huge difference, but always check with your healthcare provider before combining approaches.

What is the Latest Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease?

The latest treatment for chronic kidney disease focuses on slowing damage apt medications, controlling blood pressure, and managing diabetes. There’s also growing interest in Ayurveda to support kidney health naturally.

CKD Treatment in Ayurveda

Ayurvedic treatment for CKD offers gentle, natural ways to manage the disease. The use of potent herbs like Punarnava, Gokshura, Varun, and Kaasni helps detoxify the kidneys and strengthen their function. Along with herbal support, personalized diet plans and lifestyle changes play a big role, like avoiding salty, processed foods and staying hydrated. Panchakarma therapies.

Conclusion

Diagnosing chronic kidney disease isn’t about one single test. It’s a process, usually involving blood and urine tests, possibly some imaging, and sometimes even a biopsy. And more importantly, it’s about monitoring over time to see how your kidneys are holding up.

The earlier CKD is caught, the more you can do to slow it down and keep your kidneys as healthy as possible. So, if your doctor suggests testing, don’t hesitate. It’s a smart step toward protecting your health.

And if you’re already navigating the journey with CKD, know that you’re not alone. With the right care, the right mindset, and the right information, you can manage it and thrive.