Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Understanding the "Quiet" Condition

The kidneys are the unsung heroes of the human body. Every day, they filter around 180 litres of blood, balancing your fluids and clearing out waste. But what happens when they start to slow down?

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a term that can sound frightening when you first see it on a medical record, but as Dr. Geoff Hamp and Dr. Sam McGinley explain in our latest episode, it is often a condition that can be managed effectively for years if caught early.

Why is it Called "Chronic"?

In medical terms, "chronic" doesn't necessarily mean "severe"—it simply means "long-term."

Most people with CKD have a mild version that never progresses to kidney failure.

However, because the kidneys don't have pain receptors, you can't "feel" CKD happening. This is why regular blood and urine tests are so important, especially for those with high blood pressure or diabetes.

Decoding Your Results: What is eGFR?

If you've had a kidney check, you’ve likely seen the letters eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) as well as a "stage".

• The eGFR Score: Think of this as a percentage of how well your kidneys are filtering.

  
  

Dr Geoff and Dr Sam break down these stages in the episode, explaining why a single "bad" result doesn't always mean there’s a problem—it’s the trend over time that matters.

The Two Biggest Risks: Blood Pressure & Diabetes

The kidneys are packed with tiny, delicate blood vessels. This makes them highly sensitive to:

1. High Blood Pressure: Which puts physical strain on the filters.

2. Diabetes: Where high sugar levels can "gum up" the works.

Managing these two conditions is the single best way to protect your kidney function for the long haul.

Small Changes, Big Impact

The Doctors discuss practical ways to keep your kidneys happy, including:

• The Salt Factor: Why reducing salt is the easiest win for kidney health.

• Medication Reviews: Why some common over-the-counter painkillers (like Ibuprofen) should be used with caution if your kidney function is low.

• Hydration: How much water do you actually need to drink?

Listen to the Full Episode

Whether you've had an "incidental finding" on a blood test or you just want to know how to look after your internal filters, this episode provides the clarity you need.

[Listen to "Understanding CKD" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or right here on Coughy Break.]

Resources for Support

• Kidney Care UK: kidneycareuk.org

• National Kidney Federation: kidney.org.uk

Get in Touch

Do you have a question or a topic for a future "Coughy Break"?

• Email us: hello@coughybreak.com

Legal Disclaimer: All content provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Content is valid in England at the time of recording (May 2026). Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.