That does not mean kidney failure is suddenly inevitable for young adults. Many important risk factors can be identified and managed early.
## What Exactly Is Kidney Failure?
Your kidneys continuously filter waste and extra fluid from your blood. They also help regulate blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and several important body functions.
Chronic kidney disease means that the kidneys have been damaged or have reduced filtering ability over time.
Doctors commonly assess kidney health using:
* a blood test that estimates glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR
* a urine test that checks for albumin, a protein that can leak into urine when the kidneys are damaged.
Kidney failure is the most advanced stage of kidney disease, when kidney function is no longer sufficient to meet the body’s needs without specialized treatment such as dialysis or transplantation.
## Why Can Kidney Disease Develop in Younger Adults?
