What is chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

CKD is permanent kidney damage due to injury or disease. CKD ranges from mild to severe, and severity is classified as stages 1–5 depending on loss of kidney function. If CKD reaches the point of kidney failure, dialysis or a kidney transplant is needed to support life. Since CKD may worsen over time, early diagnosis and treatment can help slow down disease progression, depending on the cause of the damage.