For more comprehensive information on a specific topic, please refer to www.kidney.org.
What does the kidney do?
The kidneys perform five main functions - clean waste material from the blood, retain or excrete salt and water, regulate blood pressure, stimulate bone marrow to make red blood cells, and control the amount of calcium and phosphorous absorbed and excreted.
What causes a loss of kidney function?
The most common cause is diabetes, but other possible causes include heredity impairments (polycystic kidney disease, renal tubular acidosis); congenital deformities (malformed, blocked or absent kidneys); toxins (drugs, chemicals, and high dose radiation); systemic diseases (diabetes, Wegener's, vasculitis, Goodpasture's Syndrome); hypertension (uncontrolled high blood pressure); and untreated infections (bacterial, viral and fungal).
What are the more common symptoms of kidney disease?
Fluid retention, hypertension, fatigue, anemia, dark urine, excessive foaming in urine, and blood in the urine.
What are the stages of kidney disease?
There are 5 stages of chronic kidney disease and your stage is determined by your glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is a measure of your how well your kidneys are functioning.
Stage 1 - kidney damage (protein in urine), with normal GFR (90 or above)
Stage 2 - kidney damage with mild decrease in GFR (60 to 89)
Stage 3 - kidney damage with moderate decrease in GFR (30 to 59)
Stage 4 - kidney damage with severe redcution in GFR (15 to 29)
Stage 5 - kidney failure (GFR of less than 15)
How can a special diet help patients with chronic kidney disease?
A special diet can help to control the buildup of waste products and fluid in your blood and to decrease the workload of your kidneys. This diet may also help to slow down the loss of kidney function. The main goal of the diet is to keep you healthy. Your doctor may recommend a special diet, depending on the stage of your disease. If and when this diet is ordered for you, your doctor may want you to see a renal dietitian, who has special training in diet for kidney disease.
When is dialysis or a kidney trasplant recommended?
Once the kidneys lose more than 85-90% of their ability to function, some type of renal replacement therapy must be considered, either dialysis or transplantation.
How does dialysis work?
Dialysis has two main functions. First, it removes toxic wastes that accumulate in the blood and body tissue and second, it removes excess salt and water that accumulate when urine production is low.
Does dialysis harm the kidneys?
No, dialysis does not harm the kidneys but it also cannot return failed kidneys to normal functioning.
Are there different types of dialysis treatments?
Yes, there are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
How is hemodialysis done?
Hemodialysis is performed by inserting a needle into a surgically created access point and then pumping the blood through a dialysis machine. Toxins are removed from the blood, needed chemicals are added, and then the blood is returned to the body via a second needle. This procedure can be done either in an outpatient dialysis center or at home.
How is peritoneal dialysis done?
Peritoneal dialysis is performed by instilling dialysate fluid into the abdomen via a surgically placed flexible tube. This fluid dwells in the abdominal cavity for several hours, then is drained and replaced with new dialysate fluid. This procedure can be performed either continuously for 24 hours a day or in some cases, exclusively overnight while sleeping.
If a transplant is required, where would a kidney be found?
A kidney can be donated from either a living donor (typically a family member or friend) or a cadaver donor (typically a person who has sustained a lethal brain injury).
Why are potassium and phosphorous important to the kidneys?
These are minerals in your body found in many foods you eat, and they help to keep your heartbeat regular and your bones and muscles working efficiently. Your kidneys help maintain the correct amounts of these minerals in your body. Therefore, if your kidneys aren't working correctly, it is important for you to watch your potassium and phosphorous intake by avoiding foods that are high in these minerals.
What is the role of a registered dietician?
Your nephrologist will likely recommend you to a registered dietician to assist you with planning your meals to make sure you are eating appropriately depending on your level of kidney function, if you are on dialysis, or if you have had a transplant.
