Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common chronic illness in Taiwan. Many patients experience few or no obvious symptoms in the early stages, and kidney function may already have declined significantly by the time the disease is discovered.
After receiving health check results showing “high creatinine levels” or “decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR),” many people ask:
“Can chronic kidney disease improve?”
“Can kidney function recover?”
In some patients, early intervention combined with management of chronic inflammation, metabolic disorders, diet, sleep, and lifestyle habits may help slow disease progression and even improve certain kidney function indicators.
This article explains common causes of chronic kidney disease, what eGFR means, and how both Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may help delay kidney function deterioration.
What Are the Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease?
Early-stage chronic kidney disease often causes few noticeable symptoms, which is why many patients overlook the condition.
Common symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Increased nighttime urination
- Swelling (edema)
- Foamy urine
- Poor appetite
- Dry or itchy skin
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Elevated blood pressure
Some patients only discover abnormal kidney function after routine blood tests reveal elevated creatinine levels and reduced eGFR.
According to statistics in Taiwan, approximately 1 in 8 adults has kidney disease, and the prevalence of chronic kidney disease among adults over age 20 exceeds 12%. More than 90% of patients with early-stage kidney disease are unaware they already have abnormal kidney function.
What Is eGFR? Does a Lower Number Mean More Severe Disease?
Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is one of the most important indicators used to evaluate kidney function and determine how effectively the kidneys filter waste products.
In general:
- eGFR above 90: Normal kidney function
- eGFR 60–89: Mild decline
- eGFR 30–59: Moderate chronic kidney disease
- eGFR 15–29: Severe kidney function decline
- eGFR below 15: Possible end-stage kidney disease requiring dialysis
The lower the number, the poorer the kidney’s filtration ability.
However, assessing kidney disease progression requires more than just laboratory numbers. Physicians also evaluate:
- Age
- Blood pressure
- Diabetes control
- Proteinuria
- Chronic inflammation
- Medication use
All of these factors influence long-term kidney outcomes.
Does Chronic Kidney Disease Always Lead to Dialysis?
This is one of the biggest concerns for many patients.
The answer is not necessarily.
Not every patient with chronic kidney disease will eventually require dialysis.
If risk factors are controlled early, including:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Hyperuricemia
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Long-term painkiller use
and combined with regular medical follow-up and treatment, many patients can maintain stable kidney function for years.
In Western medicine, treatment for chronic kidney disease often includes:
- SGLT2 inhibitors
- ACE inhibitors (ACEI)
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB)
These medications may help reduce proteinuria and protect kidney function.
Chronic Kidney Disease Case: eGFR Improved from 33 to 52
“Doctor, thank you for helping my chronic kidney disease improve to Stage 3.”
An 87-year-old man had multiple chronic health conditions, including:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Sequelae of cerebral infarction
- Hyperuricemia
Although he did not have diabetes or hypertension, he suffered from nasal congestion, dry mouth upon waking, dry flaky skin, fatigue, and nighttime urination occurring three to four times nightly.
At his first visit:
- Creatinine was 1.9 mg/dL
- eGFR was only 33
After three months of Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment:
- Creatinine decreased to 1.5 mg/dL
- eGFR improved to 44
After another three months of continued treatment:
- Creatinine further decreased to 1.3 mg/dL
- eGFR improved to 52
Although nighttime urination did not improve significantly, his fatigue, dry skin, and overall energy gradually improved.
Why Does Chronic Kidney Disease Progress?
Besides diabetes and hypertension, many other conditions may contribute to declining kidney function.
Diabetes and Hypertension
These remain the leading causes of dialysis in Taiwan.
Long-term high blood sugar and high blood pressure damage the glomerular microvasculature, leading to kidney fibrosis and progressive functional decline.
Chronic Glomerulonephritis
Examples include:
- Immune-mediated nephritis
- Lupus nephritis
- IgA nephropathy
These conditions may gradually worsen kidney function over time.
Urinary Tract Obstruction
Long-term kidney stones, enlarged prostate, or urinary retention may cause hydronephrosis and kidney damage.
Long-Term Painkiller Use
Chronic excessive use of certain pain medications may increase the risk of kidney toxicity.
How Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Help Chronic Kidney Disease?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, chronic kidney disease is associated with concepts such as:
- Deficiency syndromes
- Edema
- Impaired urinary function
Many patients are believed to experience long-term depletion and imbalance, commonly involving:
- Qi deficiency
- Kidney deficiency
- Blood stasis
- Damp-heat accumulation
- Poor circulation
Therefore, treatment focuses not only on symptom relief, but also on:
- Improving circulation
- Reducing chronic inflammation
- Reducing fibrosis
- Increasing energy levels
- Improving fatigue and nocturia
Some studies suggest that herbal therapies promoting qi and blood circulation may help improve microcirculation and reduce chronic inflammatory responses.
During acute illness, such as infections or colds, TCM treatment may also include herbal strategies to release exterior pathogens, promote urination, and clear heat.
What Should Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Eat?
In addition to medication, lifestyle and dietary management are extremely important.
General recommendations include:
- Low-oil diet
- Reduced salt intake
- Reduced sugar intake
- Limiting processed foods
- Avoiding sugary beverages
- Regular exercise
- Maintaining healthy sleep habits
- Weight control
- Avoiding unverified supplements or folk remedies
Fluid intake should be individualized according to kidney function and physician recommendations. Not all CKD patients should drink excessive amounts of water.
Can Chronic Kidney Disease Be Reversed?
In some patients, kidney function markers may improve after early intervention, but this does not necessarily mean the disease is completely cured.
More importantly, treatment aims to:
- Slow disease progression
- Stabilize kidney function
- Reduce dialysis risk
- Improve quality of life
Early detection and regular monitoring are especially important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does chronic kidney disease always require dialysis?
Not necessarily. With early treatment and proper risk factor control, many patients can maintain stable kidney function long term.
Can reduced eGFR improve?
Some patients may experience improved eGFR after controlling chronic inflammation, blood pressure, blood sugar, and improving lifestyle habits, although ongoing monitoring remains necessary.
Does lower creatinine mean kidney function improved?
Generally yes, but kidney function should also be evaluated together with eGFR, urine protein, and overall clinical condition.
Can Traditional Chinese Medicine treat chronic kidney disease?
Traditional Chinese Medicine may help improve body constitution, circulation, and chronic inflammation as supportive care, but it should still be combined with Western medical evaluation and treatment.
Can chronic kidney disease patients drink large amounts of water?
Not always. Patients with edema or heart problems may require individualized fluid restriction under physician supervision.
References
- Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Clinical Practice Guideline for CKD Evaluation and Management
- National Kidney Foundation. Chronic Kidney Disease Basics
- Taiwan Society of Nephrology Clinical Care Guidelines for Chronic Kidney Disease
- American Diabetes Association. Standards of Care in Diabetes 2025
- The Lancet. Chronic Kidney Disease and Risk Reduction Strategies