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Good dental care is important for everyone, but especially for people with kidney disease. What might be a minor infection for a healthy person could be major problem for someone with kidney disease. Here’s a bit to explain more:   Germs attack (that’s infection). The body fights back (...

What happens when kidneys stop working? Some parts of our bodies do not work.  These parts might just need some help.  For example, do you know someone who wears glasses or contact lenses to see better?  Or do you know someone who wears a hearing aid?  Or someone who needs a...

What is HIV? HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that infects and damages your immune system. Your immune system helps your body defend itself against infection and other disease. HIV attacks and destroys the disease-fighting cells of your immune system and leaves your body weak against...

Kidneys perform crucial functions that affect all parts of the body and are involved in complex operations that keep the rest of the body in balance. When the kidneys are damaged by disease, other organs are affected. Kidney problems can range from a minor urinary tract infection to progressive...

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....

Can people with kidney disease or kidney failure still enjoy sex? It's important to remember that people with kidney failure can have healthy marriages and meaningful relationships. They can fall in love, care for families, and be sexual. Staying intimate with those you love is important. It's...

33% of American adults are at risk for kidney disease. Yes, one in three people. If you are Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian American, Pacific Islander, American Indian, or Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, heritage you may be at an increased risk...

Knowing all your options for treating kidney disease can lead to better quality of life. The National Kidney Foundation has developed a series of videos to help you understand what you can do to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and understand the choices you will face should...

Poor growth and appropriate weight gain are two major nutrition problems for children with kidney failure, so diet is individualized for each child and usually not restricted unless needed. Children grow fastest during the first two years of life. The earlier the age at which kidney disease occurs...

For many patients who are on dialysis or have had a kidney transplant, the ability to travel is important to their self-esteem and lifestyle. Working patients may need to attend business meetings or conferences. Older patients may have dreamed of traveling during their retirement. A family event...

Many people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure work full time or part time. Some go to school or take care of their homes and families. Others do volunteer work, have hobbies, or have regular exercise routines. If you have kidney disease or kidney failure, you may have questions...

Are you getting enough vitamins and minerals for your health?  If you have chronic kidney disease or kidney failure, here’s what you need to know.

Natural disasters (blizzards, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.) or electrical power blackouts can disrupt healthcare services, such as dialysis treatment. The aim of the information on this website is to help you prepare for possible emergencies. By knowing what to do and preparing...

Nathan Beins, MHPE, MD Pediatric Nephrology Children’s Mercy Kansas City   One of the most common questions asked by parents of children with kidney disease is whether contact sports are safe. Physical activity is very important for overall health and this is especially true for children with...

What is High Potassium (Hyperkalemia)? High levels of potassium in the blood (called hyperkalemia) is unpredictable and can be life-threatening. It can cause serious heart problems and sudden death.1-3 There are often no warning signs, meaning a person can have high potassium without knowing it....