There are many types of kidney disease. Your physician can help you better understand these types of kidney diseases and what they mean to you.
Gradual loss of kidney function. One of the most common forms of kidney disease.
Loss of kidney’s ability to remove waste and help balance fluids in the body.
Another name for kidney disease, or damage to the kidney function.
Most advanced, stage 5, chronic kidney disease requiring renal replacement treatment.
Kidneys sort out and remove waste from your blood stream so it doesn’t build up in your body and become toxic. Each kidney is made up of nephrons, or filtering units. Inside each nephron is a glomerulus, or a blood vessel, that allows waste and extra fluid to flow out while keeping in blood cells and protein. The wastes and extra fluid leave the kidneys and become urine.
Kidneys regulate the level of water and amount of important chemicals in your body, like sodium, potassium and acids.
Chemicals from your kidneys help control blood pressure, salt levels, red cell production to prevent anemia, and vitamin D for strong bones.
Among the risks for kidney disease are diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, a family history of kidney failure, inflammation from an ongoing infection, kidney damage from an accident, cancer or overuse of pain medication or recreational drugs.
To measure kidney function, your doctor will test your blood for the eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate). To rule out kidney damage, a urine sample will be used to measure for albumin, a type of protein. Call NANI at 630-573-5000 or your primary doctor to get tested.
Gather your questions and ask your doctor about your condition and treatment. Learn more about your diagnosis by reading information found below in Get Answers.
Have your blood pressure checked regularly. High blood pressure can damage the kidneys, so learn what range is healthy for you and work with your physician to keep your blood pressure numbers in range.
Healthy kidneys filter excess medication from the blood. If your kidneys are not functioning properly, your physician will pay special attention to dosing for all of your medications. Always consult your physician before you make any changes to your medication regimen like taking herbal supplements or over the counter medications to avoid negative effects and possible kidney damage. Remember to bring the medication bottles to your first appointment.
No matter what stage of kidney disease you have, it is very important to eat what your doctor or dietitian recommends. Every person’s needs are different, so make an appointment with a renal dietitian (one who specializes in kidney disease). Medicare covers dietitian services for those with eGFR less than 50 as well as for those with diabetes.
In addition to other dangers of smoking, it is also associated with kidney disease, kidney cancer and bladder cancer. If you have kidney disease, smoking can make it even worse.
If you have stage 2, stage 3 or stage 4 kidney disease, follow all of your kidney doctor’s advice. This can make a big difference in your health. NANI representatives will stay in touch with you to help you manage your medications, diet, blood pressure and more.
If you are in stage 4 or stage 5 of kidney disease, ask your physician about your treatment options. Depending on your health and needs, your physician may recommend hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, home dialysis or a transplant. Learn about the options here.
Your nephrologist – or kidney specialist – is your best resource for information about your individual condition. They can answer any questions you may have and can offer recommendations for next steps.
