FAQs on Kidney Disease 

What is Chronic Kidney Disease or CKD?

CKD is a disease of the kidneys that usually occurs slowly over the course of many years. In the beginning stages of kidney disease, the healthy nephrons can do the extra work of the damaged nephrons. As kidney disease continues, more nephrons become damaged and eventually the nephrons that are left cannot function well enough to keep you healthy. 

What Causes Chronic Kidney Disease?

The two leading cause of CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure. Other causes include inflammation and infection, polycystic kidney disease, lupus, urinary tract infections; obstructions of the kidney. 

What are Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease?

In the early stage of CKD, most people do not have any symptoms. As kidney disease progresses, symptoms may include swelling, feeling tired, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, weight loss and changes in urination, headaches, urine odor on breath.

 

When do I need to see my doctor?

You should see your doctor regularly if you are a diabetic or have high blood pressure so that your doctor can monitor your kidney function. You should also see your doctor if you have any of the symptoms noted above. Regular appointments with your physician are the best way to maintain your optimal state of health. 

How will doctor diagnose chronic kidney disease?

 Your doctor will diagnose kidney disease by using a combination of your health history, current physical condition, blood and urine tests, and if needed tests such as ultrasound, CT scan or biopsy.

Why is early diagnosis important?

 Early diagnosis is important because your doctor may be able to prevent or prolong the period of time before you will require renal replacement therapy such as dialysis or transplantation.

What are the stages of chronic kidney disease?

There are five stages of CKD. The stage of CKD is determined based on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
• Stage 1 Kidney damage with normal or increased GFR >90
• Stage 2 Kidney damage with mild decrease in GFR 60-89
• Stage 3 Kidney damage with moderate decrease in GFR 30-59
• Stage 4 Kidney damage with large decrease in GFR 15-29
• Stage 5 Kidney failure with need for dialysis or transplant

Who should I see about chronic kidney disease?

You should start with your primary care physician or Internist. Your doctor will recommend or refer you to a Nephrologist who specializes in the care of the kidney patient.

What are treatments for chronic kidney disease?

In the early stages, CKD may be managed by treating the underlying cause (diabetes or hypertension), diet, and/or medications. When kidney disease progresses to the point where the kidneys can no longer maintain a state of health, dialysis or transplantation are the only available treatments. 

When is dialysis needed?

Dialysis is needed when the remaining kidney function can no longer keep the body in a healthy state. At this time usually you won’t feel well and your blood and urine test results will be abnormal. 

What kind of medicines will I need to take?

The medications that your doctor prescribes will be specific to your needs. Generally a drug to treat anemia and some medications to treat renal bone disease will be prescribed.

Will I definitely need a kidney transplant?

Whether or not you decide to pursue a kidney transplant will depend on several factors such as your physical condition, your co morbidities and personal choice. Many patients choose not to pursue transplantation and treat their kidney failure with dialysis. You and your physician should discuss all your options and decide together whether kidney transplant is right for you. 

What is a Kidney Transplant?

A kidney transplant is an operation where a kidney is transplanted from either a living donor or a cadaver (a person who has died) into the body of a person with end stage kidney disease. If the transplant is successful, there is no longer a need for dialysis. Usually medications to prevent rejection of the kidney are needed to keep the transplant working. 

What is Hemodialysis?

Hemodialysis is the most common treatment for End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). It can be performed in- center or at home.

Hemodialysis is a method of removing the blood from the body and filtering it by passing it through an artificial kidney or filter and returning it to the body after cleansing. This process generally occurs for 3-4 hours 3 times a week if done in center and 4-6 times a week if done at home. 

What is Peritoneal Dialysis?

Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment for ESRD that is done at home. Peritoneal dialysis uses the body’s own peritoneal membrane to filter the waste products from the blood. It is done by infusing fluid into the abdomen, allowing it to stay in or “dwell” for a prescribed period of time and then draining it and infusing clean fluid.

Peritoneal dialysis can be done during the day or evening with or without a machine, called a cycler that fills and drains the abdomen. There is no blood or needles used for peritoneal dialysis. 

How do I know which dialysis is best for me?

The method of dialysis that is right for you depends on many factors, the most important being personal preference and lifestyle. Your doctor and dialysis team can assist you to determine which treatment options are suitable for you. 

How will I know if dialysis is working for me?

How well dialysis is working for you will be determined based on several factors such as how you feel, the results of your blood and /or urine tests, your physical condition and the presence of complications.
The interdisciplinary team, consisting of your doctor, nurses, social worker and dietitian will meet with you regularly to review how well you are doing and provide guidance. 

What can I do at home for chronic kidney disease?

You should follow your doctor’s orders for diet and medication to be followed at home. In addition adhering to the prescribed form of treatment for your ESRD will assist you to feel as good as possible and to maintain an active lifestyle.

If you have chosen an in-center form of treatment, it is important to maintain your treatment schedule and to stay on the machine for the prescribed time. If you have chosen a form of home therapy, it is important to carry out your treatments as you were instructed. 

What dietary changes will I need to make?

You will generally be instructed to follow a therapeutic diet that is prescribed based on your individual needs. The diet may have prescribed amounts of protein, salt, potassium and fluid, and perhaps sugar or calories. A dietitian will work with you and your family members to include your food preferences and lifestyle in your dietary plan. 

What do I need to know about medicines?

It is important for you to understand the reason for each medication; the medication name, the correct time and dose and any special instructions such as after meals, at bedtime etc. It is also important that you do not take over the counter medications, herbs or supplements, or medications prescribed by doctors other than your nephrologist without discussing it with your nephrologist first. 

What support groups are there for this disease?

There are many resources and support groups available to assist kidney patients. The social worker and interdisciplinary care team in each center will provide you with education and information on support groups available to you.