What You Need to Know About Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter toxins, fluids, and minerals like calcium and phosphorus from the blood. It's often linked to underlying conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), type 2 diabetes, or inherited disorders like polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Early CKD often has no symptoms, so many people don't realize they have it until serious damage has occurred. Whether you've recently been diagnosed with CKD or suspect something isn't right, understanding the condition and taking early action can help protect your long-term health.

At All-Inclusive Preventive Care in Miami, we offer comprehensive annual physical exams and routine kidney screenings to check for risk factors and help detect CKD early. So it can be managed before it progresses.

Key Takeaways

• CKD is a progressive disease that may not present symptoms in its early stages.
• High blood pressure and diabetes are leading causes of kidney disease.
• Certain communities face a higher risk of CKD, but early treatment and therapy can reduce complications.
• Routine urinalysis and blood tests can help detect CKD early and slow its progression.
• A healthy diet—rich in vitamin D, potassium, and balanced nutrition—supports long-term kidney health.

Why Early Detection is Critical

The kidneys play a major role in your body's health. They filter waste, balance fluids, regulate blood pressure, support red blood cell production, and help control important minerals like potassium and sodium. When they aren't working properly, these functions suffer, and serious complications like kidney failure, heart disease, or hypertension can develop.

CKD also affects other organs, including the bones, heart, and lungs, by disrupting mineral balance and hormone levels. For example, reduced kidney function can cause secondary hyperparathyroidism—a condition that weakens bones due to poor calcium and phosphate regulation. In some cases, early detection may uncover less common causes like glomerulonephritis or nephritis, where the immune system attacks the kidneys’ filtering structures, known as the glomeruli.

The good news is that CKD progression can often be slowed or even prevented with early detection, lifestyle changes, and medical management. At All-Inclusive Preventive Care, we serve as the first step in identifying signs of CKD through routine screenings and physical exams. If needed, we can refer you to a nephrologist for specialized care, but early support often starts with your primary care provider.

What Causes Chronic Kidney Disease?

CKD is usually caused by conditions that put stress on the kidneys over time. The most common causes include:

• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Over time, high pressure damages the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys, making them less effective at filtering waste.
• Diabetes: Excess sugar in the blood can damage the kidney's filtering units, called nephrons.
• Heart Disease: Poor heart function can limit blood flow to the kidneys.
• Chronic Infections or Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus or ulcerative colitis may inflame and damage kidney tissues.

Lifestyle Factors That Impact Kidney Health

Your daily habits can have a big impact on your kidney function. Some lifestyle-related risks include:

• High Salt (Sodium) Intake: High-salt diets can increase blood pressure, which harms the kidneys over time.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water makes it harder for the kidneys to flush out waste.
• Long-term Use of NSAIDs: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can damage kidney tissues with repeated use.

Want to know more? Read our blog: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – Causes, Risks & Prevention

Who Is Most at Risk for CKD?

CKD can affect anyone, but some groups face a higher risk. You may be more likely to develop CKD if you have:

• High blood pressure or diabetes
• Obesity or metabolic syndrome
• Heart disease
• A family history of kidney disease
• Long-term use of nephrotoxic medications (medications that can harm the kidneys over time)

Addressing Health Disparities in CKD

Studies show that African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, and Asian American populations experience higher rates of CKD. This can be due to a combination of genetics, unequal access to care, and fewer opportunities for preventive screenings.

At All-Inclusive Preventive Care, we're committed to providing culturally competent care. That means we listen, educate, and work with every patient to create a personalized plan based on their lifestyle, background, and risk level.

Early Symptoms of Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often begins without noticeable symptoms. However, as it progresses, the signs become harder to ignore. Here are some early symptoms to watch for:

1. Fatigue and Weakness

When your kidneys aren’t working properly, they may produce less of the hormone erythropoietin. This hormone tells your body to make red blood cells. Without it, anemia can develop, causing you to feel constantly tired, sluggish, or weak—even after a full night’s rest.

2. Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet (Edema)

Declining kidney function can cause your body to retain excess sodium and water, leading to noticeable swelling—especially in the lower body. This may feel like tightness in socks or shoes, or leave a visible indentation when you press the area with your finger.

3. Frequent Urination—Especially at Night

Damaged kidneys may have trouble concentrating urine, causing you to urinate more often, particularly overnight (a condition called nocturia). Clear or watery urine can also be a sign that your kidneys aren’t filtering waste properly.

4. Changes in Urine Appearance

• Foamy or bubbly urine may be a sign of proteinuria, or protein leaking into your urine—one of the earliest indicators of kidney damage.
• Dark-colored urine may suggest blood in the urine (hematuria), another potential warning sign.

5. High Blood Pressure

CKD and high blood pressure often go hand in hand. Damaged kidneys may release hormones that raise your blood pressure further, creating a dangerous cycle. If your blood pressure stays high despite medication or lifestyle changes, it may be time to check your kidney function.

6. Difficulty Concentrating or Brain Fog

As waste builds up in the bloodstream (a condition called uremia), it can impact brain function. Many people with moderate to advanced CKD experience trouble focusing, forgetfulness, or mental “fuzziness.”

7. Muscle Cramps

The kidneys help regulate electrolytes like calcium, potassium, and sodium. When levels become imbalanced, it can lead to muscle cramps or spasms—especially during the night.

8. Shortness of Breath

If your kidneys are unable to remove enough fluid, it can accumulate in the lungs. This may lead to shortness of breath, especially when lying down or during physical activity. In severe cases, it may signal fluid overload and should be evaluated immediately.

In more advanced stages, CKD may cause additional symptoms, such as:

• Itchy skin: A buildup of uremic toxins in the blood can lead to skin irritation and persistent itchiness.
• Vitamin D deficiency and bone pain: Impaired kidney function can reduce vitamin D activation, leading to weak bones and discomfort.
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite: These symptoms may result from uremia, especially in later CKD stages.
• A metallic taste in the mouth: Waste buildup in the bloodstream can alter how food tastes.
• Insomnia or restless leg syndrome: Sleep disturbances are common in people with CKD due to imbalances in nerve and muscle function.
• Pulmonary edema: Fluid buildup in the lungs may cause shortness of breath, coughing, or chest discomfort.

If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, it’s time to schedule a screening.

How Is Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosed in Miami?

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is diagnosed using tests that detect kidney damage and assess kidney function. In Miami, patients can access these screenings through primary care providers like All-Inclusive Preventive Care—often during routine annual physical exams in Miami or follow-up visits.

• Blood Tests: Measure levels of creatinine and estimate your glomerular filtration rate (GFR)—a number that shows how well your kidneys are filtering. Blood panels may also check for cystatin C, phosphorus, glucose, and cholesterol levels. Some clinics assess enzyme activity or inflammatory markers.
• Urine Tests: Urine samples are tested for albumin, proteinuria, and microalbuminuria to detect early kidney damage. Albuminuria may appear before other symptoms.
• Blood Pressure Monitoring: Regular monitoring is essential since hypertension is both a cause and a result of CKD.

These more advanced diagnostic procedures typically require a specialist referral:

• Imaging Tests: Ultrasounds or CT scans can detect blockages or kidney size and structure changes.
• Kidney Biopsy: In some cases, a small tissue sample is examined to understand the cause of kidney damage.

Preventing CKD: How to Protect Your Kidney Health

The best way to fight CKD is to prevent it from developing or progressing. Here are practical steps you can take:

• Control blood pressure and blood sugar levels
• Eat a balanced diet low in salt and processed foods
• Stay hydrated by drinking enough water
• Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight and reduce blood pressure
• Avoid long-term NSAID use
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption
• Follow a kidney-friendly diet that limits phosphorus, meat, processed snacks, and excess protein.
• Work with a licensed dietitian to create a meal plan tailored to your needs.
• Regular physical activity helps improve metabolism, manage weight, and reduce the need for medicine or analgesics.

If you're managing obesity or metabolic syndrome, obesity and its impact on health is an important factor to consider. Medical weight loss programs can support blood pressure control and reduce the risk of CKD progression.

Treatment Options for CKD

Treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD) depends on its cause and stage, which is typically measured by your glomerular filtration rate (GFR). At All-Inclusive Preventive Care, we create personalized care plans that adapt to each patient’s needs and CKD progression.

Treatment may include:

• Lifestyle Modifications: These can involve weight management, proper hydration, and following a kidney-friendly diet.
• Medication: Patients may be prescribed blood pressure or diabetes medications, including angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) or diuretics, to support kidney health.
• Advanced Therapies: Some patients may need phosphate binders, calcitriol (active vitamin D), or SGLT2 inhibitors like dapagliflozin, particularly if they also have type 2 diabetes.
• Dialysis: In later stages, dialysis may be required to filter waste when the kidneys can no longer do so on their own.
• Kidney Transplant: For patients with end-stage kidney disease, a transplant may be the most effective long-term solution.

In more advanced cases, additional hospital care, surgery, or the use of dialysis machines may be necessary to manage symptoms and extend life expectancy.

Ready to Prioritize Your Kidney Health in Miami?

Whether you’re managing risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes or simply want to stay ahead of potential complications, routine kidney screenings and annual physical exams can help detect early signs of chronic kidney disease (CKD) before serious damage occurs. At All-Inclusive Preventive Care, we’re committed to helping you take proactive steps toward long-term kidney and overall health through personalized, compassionate care.

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Call us at  (305) 200-3141 or book an appointment with All-Inclusive Preventive Care for expert guidance and preventive screenings that support your kidney health.