The Difference Between Acute and Chronic Kidney Disease

Acute kidney injury happens suddenly—often from illness or dehydration.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops slowly over years.
Acute damage can often be reversed with proper treatment.
CKD leads to gradual loss of filtering ability and permanent scarring.
High blood pressure and diabetes are the main CKD causes.
Early signs include fatigue, swelling, and changes in urine output.
Regular blood and urine tests can detect decline early.
Lifestyle changes can slow CKD progression significantly.
Severe cases may require dialysis or transplant.
The key difference: one is sudden, the other lifelong.