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Nephrotic syndrome may occur when the filtering units of the kidney are damaged. This damage allows protein normally kept in the plasma to leak into the urine in large amounts, which reduces the amount of protein in your blood. Since the protein in the blood helps keep fluid in the bloodstream,...

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....

The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut and is located below the bladder, the organ that stores urine. The prostate gland is part of the reproductive system in men. The job of the prostate gland is to make fluid for semen, which is used to carry sperm during ejaculation. Why does the...

Now that you are beginning hemodialysis, there may be many changes in your daily life. Your doctor has probably told you that you may need to make some changes in your diet. The renal dietitian at your dialysis center will help you plan a diet for your special needs. Why do I need to be on a...

What is Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD)? PTLD is group of conditions that may happen after a transplant. It involves the immune system and causes white blood cells called lymphocytes to multiply out of control.  The seriousness varies from an overgrowth of the lymphocytes...

Heart disease is very common in people with kidney disease or kidney failure.  In fact, it is the leading cause of death in people with kidney failure.  But there are things you can do to keep your heart and blood vessels healthy.  If you already have heart disease?  You can...

Mineral and Bone Disorder: if you have kidney disease or kidney failure This brochure focuses on the impact of early stage CKD on bone health, the disease cascade and consequences of CKD mineral and bone disorder (MBD), the connection between CKD-MBD and heart disease...

What is distal tubular renal acidosis (dRTA)? dRTA is a rare but serious type of kidney disease that can be inherited (primary dRTA) or be caused by another disorder or medication (secondary dRTA). Primary dRTA is also known as primary type 1 RTA. Renal refers to the kidney, distal tubular...

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...

As a hemodialysis patient, you want to learn all you can about your treatment and what you can do to ensure your health is at its best. One important area you should know about involves infectious diseases. These are diseases that happen when harmful germs get into your body and make you ill....

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...

By Laura Byham-Gray, PhD, RD, CNSD Diabetes and the Kidney Keeping in good blood glucose control is important for lowering your risk for health complications. Glucose, often described as sugar, is made by the body, usually after eating, and serves as the fuel for every body cell. Diabetes mellitus...

What blood types "match"? Blood typing is the first blood test that will determine if your blood is compatible with the potential donor's blood. If the donor's blood type works with your blood type, the donor will take the next blood test (tissue typing). Kidney donors must have a compatible blood...

What do you know about metabolic acidosis and chronic kidney disease? This short quiz can help you understand why people with CKD have increased risk for metabolic acidosis, and why and how metabolic acidosis makes kidney disease worse. Take a short quiz...

Kidney cancer overview Kidney cancer is a disease that starts in the kidneys. It happens when healthy cells in one or both kidneys grow out of control and form a lump (called a tumor). Kidney cancer signs and symptoms In the early stages, most people don’t have...

What is Fabry Disease? Fabry disease is a rare disorder that happens when the body lacks an important enzyme called alpha-galactosidase A (alpha GAL). This enzyme breaks down certain fats so they can be removed from cells and passed out of the body or be recycled for other functions. When alpha GAL...

What is glomerular disease? Your kidneys may be small, but they perform many vital functions that help maintain your overall health, including filtering waste and excess fluids from your blood. Your kidneys have about one million tiny filter units called nephrons. Each nephron has a glomerulus, so...

Many analgesics should not be used if there is decreased kidney function, because they reduce the blood flow to the kidney. Also, long term use with higher doses may harm normal kidneys. It is important to realize that, while helpful, these medicines are not completely without risk, and they should...

What is interstitial cystitis? Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a disorder in which the bladder (the organ that stores urine before it is passed out of the body) is overly sensitive, and usual causes for this, such as infection, cannot be found. The major symptoms are: pain in the pelvic area urgent...

Why are kidneys important for bone health? Healthy kidneys do many important jobs. They remove wastes and extra fluid from your body, help make red blood cells, and help keep bones strong. They also help to keep the right amount of minerals in your blood. Minerals are nutrients that your body needs...

At least 10 million Americans suffer from incontinence, which means that they are not able to control the times when they urinate. In some cases, the loss of urine is so small that people are hardly aware of it. In other cases, the amount of leakage is quite large. Only about 10 percent of people...