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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...

Bladder: An organ in your body that holds urine (pee) produced by kidneys. Blood pressure: The force of blood pushing against the inner walls of blood vessels. High blood pressure means the force is too high. Chronic: Constant, long-term, does not go away. Chronic disease: A health problem...

What is iron? Iron is a mineral needed for healthy red blood cells and for overall good health. Iron is found in a wide variety of foods. You can also get iron from supplements taken by mouth and from iron medicines prescribed by your healthcare professional. What does iron do? Iron helps your body...

Pathophysiology Nephropathic cystinosis is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder. It is a rare disease with a lifelong impact on the patient. The yearly incidence of nephropathic cystinosis is ~1:150,000 to 200,000 live births and its prevalence is ~1.6 per million population.1 However the...

Though dialysis is the preferred choice for some people, many other people with kidney failure choose to have a kidney transplant. Transplantation has many advantages, such as a lifestyle free from dialysis and fewer fluid and dietary restrictions. Kidney transplants, when successful, usually...

Why do I need an emergency meal plan? This meal plan is for you to use in case of an emergency or a natural disaster when you may not be able to got to dialysis. It is important to follow a limited diet if you miss a dialysis session. A grocery list and a three-day meal plan for an emergency are...

High blood pressure is common in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Because of their young age when they develop CKD and high blood pressure, there is a high risk that these children may eventually have heart problems and a worsening of CKD. It is very important for children with CKD to be...

What is anemia? Anemia happens when your red blood cells are in short supply. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body, giving you the energy you need for your daily activities. What are the symptoms of anemia? Anemia can cause you to: Look pale Feel tired Have little...

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who use bowel cleansing products should be aware of a recent warning issued by the FDA for a type of sudden loss of kidney function or acute kidney injury, as well as, blood mineral disturbances. Phosphate crystal deposition in the kidneys causes the loss...

Good nutrition is the key to good mental and physical health. Eating a balanced diet is an important part of good health for everyone. The kind and amount of food you eat affects the way you feel and how your body works. What are nutrients? Nutrients are ingredients in food that help you: Grow...

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...

What is protein? Protein is an important nutrient that helps build muscle, repair tissue, and fight infection. Protein is made from amino acids. Amino acids are like building blocks that combine to form many different types of protein.  Your body makes some of the amino acids you need. ...

What is a clinical trial? A clinical trial is a research study that looks at how well a new treatment works in people.  This is called “efficacy.”  The treatment may be a drug, medical procedure, medical device, or even a lifestyle change.  A clinical trial also makes sure the new...

Urinary tract infections are responsible for nearly 10 million healthcare visits each year. Here’s what you need to know. What is the urinary tract? The urinary system (also called the “urinary tract”) is the part of your body that makes urine.  It is made up of two kidneys, the ureters, the...

To best understand how to treat distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA), it is important to understand what dRTA is. Primary dRTA is caused by a change in one of several genes and is inherited. Secondary dRTA is caused by another disease or medication. The kidneys have...