Chronic kidney disease, also called CKD, is a long-term health condition. It happens when the kidneys are damaged or do not clean the blood as well as they should. Over time, waste and extra fluid can build up in the body.

CKD may cause few or no signs at first, so many people may not know they have it. Diabetes and high blood pressure can increase the chance of developing CKD. Family history and certain medicines may also affect kidney health. Blood and urine tests can help healthcare professionals find CKD and check how well the kidneys are working.

Managing CKD may include treating other health problems, making healthy lifestyle changes, and taking medicine to help protect the kidneys. Treatment depends on the cause of CKD and how much the kidneys have been affected.

Primary hyperoxaluria, also called PH, is a group of rare health conditions passed down in families. These conditions begin in the liver. In people with PH, the liver makes too much of a natural substance called oxalate.

The kidneys usually remove oxalate from the blood. When too much builds up, it can mix with calcium and form tiny crystals. These crystals can cause kidney stones and damage the kidneys over time. In more serious cases, oxalate can also build up in other parts of the body.

Kidney stones may be one of the first signs of PH, but the signs and the age when they begin can be different for each person. Healthcare providers may use blood and urine tests, genetic testing, and a person’s symptoms and health history to find out if they have PH.