CKD Chronic kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys gradually lose function over time. The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste and excess fluids from the bloodstream and regulating various hormones and electrolytes in the body.

In CKD, the kidneys gradually lose their ability to perform these functions effectively, leading to a buildup of waste and excess fluids in the body and imbalances in hormones and electrolytes. CKD typically develops over a period of months or years and can be caused by a number of underlying conditions, including:

1. Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to CKD.
2. High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to CKD.
3. Glomerulonephritis: An inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys that can lead to CKD.
4. Polycystic kidney disease: An inherited condition where fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys, leading to CKD.
5. Nephrotic syndrome: A group of symptoms caused by damage to the kidneys' filtering system, leading to CKD.
6. Chronic pyelonephritis: A long-term kidney infection that can lead to CKD.
7. Kidney artery stenosis: A narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys, leading to CKD.
8. Drug-induced kidney disease: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and certain antibiotics, can damage the kidneys and lead to CKD.
   
   

In many cases, the exact cause of CKD may not be clear. It's important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of kidney disease and to work with your doctor to determine the cause and best course of treatment. Early detection and management of CKD can help slow the progression of the disease and prevent complications.

What are the causes of chronic kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is caused by a number of underlying conditions and factors, including:

1. Diabetes: Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to CKD.
2. High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to CKD.
3. Glomerulonephritis: Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys, called glomeruli, that can lead to CKD.
4. Polycystic kidney disease: Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited condition where fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys, leading to CKD.
5. Nephrotic syndrome: Nephrotic syndrome is a group of symptoms caused by damage to the kidneys' filtering system, leading to CKD.
6. Chronic pyelonephritis: Chronic pyelonephritis is a long-term kidney infection that can lead to CKD.
7. Kidney artery stenosis: Kidney artery stenosis is a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys, leading to CKD.
8. Drug-induced kidney disease: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and certain antibiotics, can damage the kidneys and lead to CKD.
   
   

It's also important to note that CKD can develop as a result of other underlying conditions, such as lupus, amyloidosis, and multiple myeloma. It's important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of kidney disease and to work with your doctor to determine the cause and best course of treatment.  

Can you explain what chronic kidney disease is and how it forms?