Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment in Gurgaon, India
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term health condition where your kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from your blood. With rising lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension, CKD is becoming increasingly common in India. Early diagnosis, regular monitoring, and proper treatment can help manage the condition effectively and improve quality of life.
What is Kidney Disease?
Kidney disease refers to any damage or dysfunction in the kidneys that reduces their ability to clean the blood and regulate important body functions. The kidneys filter toxins, balance fluids, and maintain electrolyte levels in your body.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) develops over months or years and often goes unnoticed in the early stages. As the condition progresses, waste accumulates in the body, leading to serious health issues such as heart disease, bone disorders, and even kidney failure.
What are the Different Types and Classifications of Kidney Disease?
Kidney diseases are broadly classified into:
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Acute Kidney Injury is a sudden and rapid decline in kidney function, usually occurring within a few hours or days. It is most commonly triggered by factors such as severe infections, major surgery, blood loss, dehydration, trauma, or the use of certain medications like NSAIDs or contrast dyes used in imaging tests.
AKI can lead to the accumulation of waste products in the blood, imbalanced electrolytes, and decreased urine output. The good news is that AKI is often reversible if diagnosed and treated promptly. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause—like restoring fluid levels, stopping harmful medications, or managing infections. With timely care, kidney function often returns to normal or near-normal levels, especially if no permanent damage has occurred.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Chronic Kidney Disease is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. This progressive loss of function develops over months or years and is often irreversible. The primary causes of CKD are diabetes and hypertension, though other contributing factors include prolonged use of certain medications, repeated episodes of AKI, and family history of kidney disease. CKD is classified into five stages, with Stage 1 being the mildest and Stage 5 indicating complete kidney failure. Symptoms like fatigue, swelling in the legs, frequent urination at night, nausea, and shortness of breath typically appear in the later stages.
Though CKD cannot be cured, its progression can be managed with medications, dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and close monitoring. In advanced stages, dialysis or kidney transplantation may be necessary.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Polycystic Kidney Disease is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous fluid-filled cysts in both kidneys. These cysts gradually enlarge the kidneys and impair their ability to function properly. PKD is mainly inherited in two forms: autosomal dominant PKD, which usually manifests in adulthood, and autosomal recessive PKD, a rarer and more severe form seen in infants or children.
Common symptoms include high blood pressure, back or side pain, blood in the urine, and frequent kidney infections. Over time, the cysts may cause significant kidney enlargement and lead to chronic kidney disease or even kidney failure. Although there's no cure for PKD, treatment focuses on managing symptoms, controlling blood pressure, and delaying progression. In severe cases, dialysis or kidney transplant becomes necessary.
Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the glomeruli—the tiny filters in the kidneys that help remove excess waste and fluid from the blood. This condition can be acute or chronic and may be caused by autoimmune diseases (like lupus), infections (such as strep throat), or unknown immune responses.
Symptoms often include blood in the urine (giving it a tea or cola color), foamy urine due to protein loss, swelling in the face, hands, or legs, and high blood pressure. If not treated properly, glomerulonephritis can damage the glomeruli and lead to chronic kidney disease. Treatment depends on the cause and may involve immunosuppressants, steroids, blood pressure control, and dietary changes. Early intervention is critical to prevent long-term complications and preserve kidney function.
Chronic Kidney Disease Stages
CKD is classified into five stages based on the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
Stage | Description | GFR (ml/min) |
1 | Kidney damage with normal function | =90 |
2 | Mild loss of function | 60–89 |
3a | Mild to moderate loss | 45–59 |
3b | Moderate to severe loss | 30–44 |
4 | Severe loss of function | 15–29 |
5 | Kidney failure (ESRD) | <15 |
What are the Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is often called a “silent disease” because its symptoms develop slowly over time and are easily overlooked in the early stages. Many individuals don’t realize they have a kidney issue until the condition has significantly progressed. That’s why it’s crucial to recognize early warning signs. Here are some common symptoms that may suggest the kidneys are not functioning properly:
As kidney function declines, your body may accumulate toxins and impurities in the blood, leading to persistent tiredness and a lack of energy. Additionally, the kidneys may produce less erythropoietin—a hormone that helps make red blood cells—resulting in anemia, which further contributes to fatigue and general weakness.
Swelling in feet, ankles, or hands
One of the kidneys’ main roles is to remove excess fluid from the body. When they are damaged, this fluid can build up, leading to noticeable swelling (edema), especially in the lower limbs and hands. This is often one of the first visible signs of CKD.
Puffiness around the eyes
Persistent puffiness, especially in the morning, could be a sign of protein leakage in the urine. When kidneys are damaged, they can allow proteins like albumin to escape into the urine, causing fluid retention and swelling around the eyes.
Frequent urination, especially at night
Damaged kidneys may affect the normal filtration of fluids and lead to increased urination (polyuria), particularly during nighttime (nocturia). While this symptom may also be seen in other conditions like diabetes, it can indicate reduced kidney concentration ability.
Excessive bubbles or froth in urine—especially if frequent—can signal proteinuria (protein in the urine), a common sign of kidney damage. Blood in the urine (hematuria) may also appear due to damaged glomeruli, infections, or kidney stones, and should never be ignored.
There is a close connection between kidney function and blood pressure regulation. Damaged kidneys can lead to increased fluid retention and hormonal imbalance, which contributes to high blood pressure. On the other hand, uncontrolled hypertension can also cause kidney damage, creating a dangerous cycle.
Muscle cramps and poor appetite
An imbalance of minerals and electrolytes—such as calcium, phosphorus, and potassium—due to declining kidney function can lead to painful muscle cramps, particularly at night. Additionally, the buildup of waste products in the blood can dull your appetite, making you feel full, nauseated, or uninterested in food.
As waste builds up in the bloodstream (a condition known as uremia), it can irritate the stomach lining and lead to persistent nausea or vomiting. This symptom usually appears in more advanced stages of CKD and can significantly affect nutritional health.
Healthy kidneys help balance minerals and maintain proper skin hydration. When they start to fail, waste products may accumulate and cause itching or a persistent dry feeling in the skin, often making daily life uncomfortable.
Risk and Cause Factors of CKD
Diabetes
Diabetes is the leading cause of CKD. High blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their filtering ability. This can progress to kidney failure if not properly managed with medication, diet, and exercise.
Hypertension
High blood pressure can damage the kidney’s blood vessels over time. This leads to kidney impairment as the kidneys struggle to filter waste. Managing blood pressure is essential to prevent CKD progression.
Glomerulonephritis
This is inflammation in the kidneys' filtering units. It can be caused by infections or autoimmune diseases. The inflammation damages the glomeruli, leading to kidney scarring and eventual CKD if untreated.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
PKD is a genetic condition where fluid-filled cysts grow in the kidneys, leading to kidney enlargement and damage. Over time, these cysts reduce kidney function, resulting in CKD.
Long-term use of NSAIDs
Prolonged use of painkillers like ibuprofen can harm kidney function by reducing blood flow to the kidneys. Chronic use increases the risk of kidney damage and CKD.
Urinary Tract Obstruction
Obstructions like kidney stones or an enlarged prostate block urine flow, increasing pressure in the kidneys. Over time, this can cause kidney damage and contribute to CKD.
Infections or Autoimmune Disorders
Infections and autoimmune diseases, like lupus, can inflame the kidneys. This persistent inflammation can lead to CKD if not properly managed.
Smoking, Obesity, and Diet
Smoking, obesity, and poor eating habits increase the risk of CKD by contributing to conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and inflammation. Healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk.
Family History and Age
A family history of kidney disease and advancing age are significant risk factors for CKD. Regular kidney health checks are important, especially for those with a family history or over 60 years old.
What are the Diagnostic Tests for Chronic Kidney Disease?
Early detection plays a vital role in CKD treatment. Your doctor may suggest the following tests:
Blood Tests
Serum Creatinine: A high serum creatinine level is a key indicator of kidney dysfunction. Creatinine is a waste product generated from muscle metabolism, and when kidney function declines, creatinine builds up in the blood. Elevated levels may suggest kidney impairment or failure.
eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): This test estimates how well the kidneys are filtering blood. It is crucial in determining the stage of CKD. A lower eGFR indicates poorer kidney function, helping doctors classify the severity of CKD.
Urine Tests
Urine Albumin: This test measures the amount of albumin (a type of protein) in the urine. Normally, very little albumin is found in urine, but increased levels may indicate kidney damage, a condition known as microalbuminuria, which is an early sign of CKD.
Urinalysis: A urinalysis checks for abnormalities in the urine, such as the presence of blood, infection, or excessive sugar. It is commonly used to detect early signs of kidney problems and can help diagnose underlying conditions contributing to CKD.
Imaging Tests
Ultrasound or CT scan: These imaging tests are used to assess the structure and size of the kidneys. Ultrasound can detect cysts, tumors, kidney stones, and structural abnormalities, while CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional images for more in-depth evaluation.
Kidney Biopsy
In rare cases, when the cause of kidney disease is unclear, a kidney biopsy may be recommended. A small tissue sample is taken from the kidney and examined under a microscope to identify specific diseases, such as glomerulonephritis or interstitial nephritis, that may be affecting kidney function. This test is typically used when other diagnostic methods have not provided sufficient information.
What are the Treatment Options for Chronic Kidney Disease?
Non-Surgical CKD Treatment
Managing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in its early stages primarily involves lifestyle changes, medications, diet modifications, and regular monitoring.
Lifestyle Changes
Stay Physically Active: Regular physical activity, such as walking or swimming, improves cardiovascular health and helps control weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of diabetes, hypertension, and other conditions that contribute to CKD. Weight management also helps in preventing the progression of kidney disease.
Over-The-Counter Medications
Diet Modifications
Low Sodium, Potassium, and Protein Diet: Patients with CKD are often advised to follow a special diet low in sodium, potassium, and protein to reduce kidney stress and prevent complications like hyperkalemia (high potassium levels).
Regular Monitoring
Surgical Treatment Options
Surgical treatment is generally reserved for advanced stages of CKD (Stage 5), where kidney function has declined significantly, and other treatments are no longer effective.
Dialysis is a life-saving treatment used to replace the kidney's function when it can no longer filter waste and excess fluid.
This involves using a machine to clean the blood, typically 2-3 times a week. It removes waste, excess fluid, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys fail to perform these functions.
This method uses the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum) as a natural filter to remove waste and excess fluid. The patient’s abdomen is filled with a special fluid, and after a set time, the fluid is drained out, taking waste with it.
Kidney transplant involves replacing a failing kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor. A kidney transplant offers improved survival rates and a better quality of life compared to long-term dialysis. After a transplant, many patients experience near-normal kidney function and no longer need dialysis, which can significantly reduce the burden of treatment.
Kidney Removal Methods
In some cases of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a kidney may need to be removed due to significant damage, or for kidney donation purposes. This can be done through two primary methods: Open Donor Nephrectomy and Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy.
Open Donor Nephrectomy:
Open donor nephrectomy is a traditional method of kidney removal, often performed when a person is donating one of their kidneys. During this procedure, a large incision is made in the side or abdomen to access the kidney. The kidney is carefully removed and then transplanted into the recipient. This approach may require a longer recovery time due to the larger incision and more invasive nature of the surgery. Although the incision is larger, it allows the surgeon direct access to the kidney, making the procedure easier to perform in certain cases.
Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy:
Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is a minimally invasive technique for kidney removal. Small incisions are made in the abdomen, and a laparoscope (a small tube with a camera) is inserted to guide the surgeon in removing the kidney. Specialized instruments are used to carefully extract the kidney through one of the small incisions. This method offers several benefits over open nephrectomy, including reduced pain, smaller scars, and a shorter recovery time. Patients typically experience less postoperative discomfort and can return to normal activities more quickly.
What are the Benefits of Surgical Treatment?
Dialysis: It helps improve symptoms like fatigue, swelling, and difficulty breathing by removing waste and excess fluid from the body. It also helps stabilize blood pressure and correct electrolyte imbalances.
A transplant restores near-normal kidney function, providing long-term benefits and eliminating the need for regular dialysis. It improves quality of life by offering more energy, reducing symptoms like swelling and fatigue, and improving overall health.
Both dialysis and kidney transplantation can significantly enhance a patient’s quality of life by reducing symptoms associated with CKD, providing more independence, and improving day-to-day functioning.
Reduces Dependency on Medications
With a kidney transplant, many patients can reduce or eliminate the need for certain medications, particularly those used to manage kidney failure and complications associated with dialysis.
Recovery Tips After Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment
Recovering from CKD or kidney surgery requires ongoing care:
Take medications as prescribed
Stay hydrated but avoid excess fluid
Attend follow-ups regularly
Report symptoms like fever, pain, or swelling immediately
Stay active with light exercise unless restricted
How to Prevent Chronic Kidney Disease?
While not all causes are preventable, adopting healthy habits significantly lowers the risk:
Control diabetes and blood pressure
Drink adequate water
Avoid overuse of painkillers (NSAIDs)
Get regular kidney function tests, especially if you're at high risk
Eat a balanced diet low in sodium and processed food
Exercise regularly and avoid smoking or alcohol
Recovery Tips After CKD Treatment
Stick to your prescribed medications and diet
Stay consistent with dialysis schedules, if required
Monitor blood pressure, sugar levels, and fluid balance
Avoid infections and stay updated with vaccinations
Get psychological support if feeling anxious or depressed
Communicate openly with your nephrologist
Get Advanced Kidney Disease Treatment from Leading Nephrologists in Gurgaon
Artemis Hospital is a trusted center for comprehensive Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) care in Gurgaon. We offer world-class diagnostic, medical, and surgical facilities for all stages of kidney disease. With a patient-centered approach, our Nephrology team focuses on early detection, effective treatment, and long-term kidney health management.
Kidney Transplant and Nephrology
Kidney transplant is a surgical procedure in which a kidney from either a healthy living donor or a deceased donor (cadaver) is implanted into the renal failure patient. Kidney transplant has many limitations, like arranging for a kidney from relatives or close friends. It is very important to understand that without dialysis or transplant, the end-stage kidney patient has poor Quality of Life. So the patient has to choose between Life long Dialysis vs Kidney transplant.
Artemis Specialises in
Advanced Nephrology Services
Artemis is a pre-eminent centre for all renal problems, equipped with cutting-edge biochemical, immunological, microbiological, and histological diagnostics.
Our Renal Services Include
Hemodialysis & Peritoneal Dialysis
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
CAPD Catheterisation
Vascular Access for Hemodialysis
Plasmapheresis
Hemoperfusion
Kidney Biopsy and other advanced procedures
Personalised Patient Care
Artemis addresses a wide range of kidney failure symptoms, such as:
Weight loss, fatigue, and appetite issues
Swelling in ankles, feet, or hands
High blood pressure, frequent urination, and insomnia
Muscle cramps, erectile dysfunction, and blood in the urine
Book an Appointment
To consult our kidney specialists, call us at +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp +91-9599285476. You can also book online via our website or through the Artemis Personal Health Record App, available on iOS and Android.
Reviewed By Dr. Piyush Gupta
Sr. Consultant - Urology
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Chronic Kidney Disease be cured?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is generally not curable, especially in the advanced stages. However, with early diagnosis and proper management, its progression can be slowed, and symptoms can be controlled.
What are the early signs of CKD I should watch out for?
Early symptoms include fatigue, frequent urination (especially at night), swelling in the ankles or feet, and high blood pressure. Many people don’t experience symptoms until the disease has advanced.
Who is the best doctor near me for CKD treatment?
If you’re in Gurgaon, consult a nephrologist at Artemis Hospital. The hospital has a team of experienced kidney specialists who offer personalized care for all stages of CKD.
Which is the best hospital for CKD treatment in Gurgaon?
Artemis Hospital in Gurgaon is a top choice for CKD treatment. It offers comprehensive kidney care including diagnostics, dialysis, transplant services, and dietary counseling under one roof.
What factors affect the cost of CKD treatment in Gurgaon?
CKD treatment costs depend on disease stage, the need for dialysis or transplant, diagnostic tests, medications, hospital stay, and frequency of follow-ups.
Whom should I consult for kidney problems in Gurgaon?
You should consult a nephrologist—a specialist in kidney diseases. Early consultation can help delay disease progression and avoid complications.
Is dialysis the only option for CKD?
No. Dialysis is usually needed in later stages (Stage 5). In earlier stages, CKD can be managed with medications, lifestyle changes, and a renal-specific diet.
Can CKD be prevented?
Yes. You can lower your risk by managing diabetes and blood pressure, avoiding excessive use of painkillers, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying hydrated.
How long can someone live with CKD?
Life expectancy depends on the stage of CKD, overall health, and how well the disease is managed. With proper care, many people live long, fulfilling lives even with CKD.
What are the treatment options for late-stage CKD?
In advanced stages, treatment may include dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) or a kidney transplant. The choice depends on patient health, availability of donors, and other factors.
