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Many people don’t know it, but common childhood infections can cause kidney damage and kidney failure.  This is especially true for children.  Two childhood infections to be aware of are 1) strep infections caused by the Streptococcus bacteria, which leads to strep throat and impetigo (a...

Normally, kidneys are about the size of a fist or 10 to 12 cm (about 5 inches). Kidney atrophy means that the kidney is smaller than normal. This can happen for two basic reasons. The first is that part of the kidney does not develop from birth (called a congenital problem) making a small kidney....

What is lead poisoning? Lead is a natural element found in small amounts in the earth.  Lead has many good uses, but too much can be harmful to humans and animals.  Lead poisoning is a serious health problem. It can happen if lead builds up in your body, usually over many months or years...

What is an ectopic kidney? An ectopic kidney is a kidney that is out of place.  An ectopic kidney is caused by a birth defect. What causes an ectopic kidney? An ectopic kidney happens while a baby is growing in the womb.  Normally, the kidneys form a kidney bud within the pelvis (hip...

Being a teenager is hard.  Dealing with kidney disease can make it feel even more challenging. You are probably taking at least one medication, maybe more. Remembering to take your medications every day and at the right time is not always easy.  It may seem as if the other parts of your...

Diagnostic tests such as MRIs, CT scans and angiograms are routinely used because they provide important information about many diseases or injuries and can help in diagnosis and treatment. In many cases, the use of a contrast dye is necessary to enhance these tests, but sometimes these dyes can...

Tips for writing a letter or social media post to your friends, family, and/or community: Make it personal, tell YOUR story (what is treatment like, how do you feel) Use information on kidney.org to include facts on kidney disease, living donation, and transplant.  Include a photo with...

When you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), you need to make changes in your diet. Sometimes these changes may make it more difficult for you to get enough calories to have enough energy each day. You may also need to gain weight so that you can stay healthy. This fact sheet will explain what you...