Also called: CKD, acute kidney disease, chronic renal failure, end stage renal disease, ESRD

Chronic kidney disease occurs when kidneys are no longer able to clean toxins and waste product from the blood and perform their functions to full capacity. This can happen all of a sudden or over time.

Symptoms of chronic kidney disease can include changes in urination; swelling of the feet, ankles, hands or face; fatigue or weakness; shortness of breath; ammonia breath or an ammonia or metallic taste in the mouth; back or flank pain; itching; loss of appetite; nausea and vomiting; and more hypoglycemic episodes if diabetic.

National Kidney Foundation

• About Chronic Kidney Disease

DaVita Dialysis

• Kidney Disease Education