Chronic Kidney Disease

Also known as: chronic kidney failure, chronic renal disease, end stage kidney disease.

What is chronic kidney disease?

The kidneys are critical organs that remove waste and excess water from the blood and direct it into your urine. When the kidneys lose function, this is known as chronic kidney disease.

What causes chronic kidney disease?

There are many causes to chronic kidney disease. Some children are born with abnormal kidneys due to abnormal development and this is called congenital kidney disease. Other children can develop kidney disease due to infections, hypertension, diabetes or medications.

What are the symptoms of chronic kidney disease?

Many children do not have any symptoms. Some symptoms of chronic kidney disease can include fatigue, problems with urination, red or brown colored urine, high blood pressure, anemia, nausea or vomiting.

What are chronic kidney disease care options?

A variety of medications and dietary changes can help control symptoms and slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. Dialysis and a kidney transplant can be part of the treatment for end-stage kidney disease.


Reviewed by: Nicole M Christin, MD

This page was last updated on: May 01, 2020 04:07 PM