View All: Kidney diseases and conditions

Before July 2024, Reggie was your average teen. She loved dancing, reading, hanging out with friends, and was excited to start junior high school at t...

Struvite kidney stones are a type of kidney stone that usually form from urinary tract infections (UTIs). Unlike some other stone types that form from...

Uric acid kidney stones are one of four main types of kidney stones. They form when urine is too acidic. They can be painful and may come back, but th...

Glomerular diseases are a group of kidney disorders that damage the glomeruli. Learn about glomerular diseases, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis,...

In April 2015, Hayden Shock was a college athlete finishing his final semester at Gallaudet University. Kidney disease wasn’t on his radar—not even cl...

CKD raises your risk for severe pneumococcal disease. Learn more about what to look for, when to seek medical help, and how to lower your risk.

Running out of time to find the perfect gift? Don't worry! Here are 30 chronic kidney disease (CKD)-friendly ideas that are easy to find, simple ...

Learn how CKD affects children and teens, including causes, symptoms, treatment, and support for healthy growth.

Learn how genetics, inherited conditions, and family history can affect kidney disease risk and care. 

Learn how CKD affects children and teens, including causes, symptoms, treatment, and support for healthy growth.

To honor his mom’s memory, Tom joined NKF to produce exercise videos that help people with kidney disease, on dialysis, or post-transplant stay active...

Learn how Universe United Ms. Tennessee, Asiana Swift-Miller, is raising awareness about PKD while honoring her grandfather’s journey with chronic kid...

Learn about treatment options, side effects, nutrition, and daily care for people living with kidney cancer.

Have you ever wondered how people get kidney stones? If so, you’re not alone. While kidney stones are common and painful, many people don’t know what ...

Kidney cancer happens when kidney cells grow out of control, forming tumors that may spread if not treated.

Learn about common signs and symptoms of kidney disease and what they may mean for your health.

C3G is a rare kidney disease with new treatments emerging. Learn the signs, types, therapies, and how research is driving hope for patients.

Calcium kidney stones are the most common type kidney stone. Calcium kidney stones can be calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate (aka brushite or apatit...

Cystine kidney stones are caused by a condition you are born with called cystinuria.. Like all kidney stones, they can cause pain, blood in urine, and...

Did you know 1 in 10 people will have a kidney stone in their lifetime? Kidney stone rates are rising. Learn the facts and myths to stay stone free.

Kidney stones can occur in infants, children and teenagers. They are more common as children get older but can form in babies.

Learn how Patrick faced 10 years of dialysis for IgA nephropathy, received a transplant, and now inspires other kidney patients to find hope and purpo...

C3G, or complement 3 glomerulopathy, is a rare kidney disease with a lifelong impact.

If you form a kidney stone, it is important to work with your doctor, usually a “urologist”, to come up with a plan to monitor or get rid of your kidn...

Learn what causes kidney stones, symptoms, treatments, and how to prevent them with a personalized plan.

With four kidney transplants behind her, Jennifer now empowers others with kidney disease through her work with NKF.

A rare ARPKD diagnosis changed everything for this family. Now, they’re spreading awareness to help others facing similar challenges.

Pulitzer winner Maura Casey’s memoir shares her sister’s battle with kidney failure in the 1960s. Learn more.

Daniel didn’t know what to do next after his kidneys failed from PKD. Then he found NKF’s living kidney donor resources, which helped him find a livin...

After battling kidney failure and receiving a transplant, Andrew is determined to become a doctor and change lives.

Chandler began experiencing eye pain, flu-like symptoms, and swelling at thirteen. What he thought was a simple illness, turned out to be kidney disea...

Goodpasture Syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease affecting the kidneys and lungs. Learn about causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

Born with PKD, Yessie’s health challenges included kidney failure, dialysis, and liver failure. Today she's helping others stay hopeful in the fa...

Diabetes medications that protect kidney health can be life-saving. Learn about their benefits, costs, and how to save on your prescriptions.

Learn how Gene Blankenship, a Cherokee Nation citizen, overcame PKD and how he champions kidney health advocacy in Oklahoma.

What do sneakers have to do with fighting kidney disease? For Randy Yim, they’re everything. 

The kidneys perform important functions that keep the body in balance, such as filtering blood, regulating blood pressure, and removing waste. Simple ...

Glomerulonephritis happens when the kidneys' blood filters (glomeruli) become inflamed and scarred. It has different causes.

Learn more about kidney disease, your risk, and how to prevent it.

Genetics can play a role in kidney disease risk. However, other factors can also contribute to risk.

Lupus nephritis is a disease that affects the kidneys, making it difficult for them to clean blood well.

IgAN is a form of kidney damage. The exact cause is unknown. Read more about risk factors, symptoms, tests, complications, and treatment options.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs when kidneys suddenly lose their ability to filter waste from the blood, developing within hours or days. It replaces...

Your heart and kidneys are two important organs in your body. They work together to keep you healthy. When one is affected, the other is too.

Diabetes affects sugar regulation in your body. Learn about types, risk factors, warning signs, and steps to manage or prevent diabetes.

Discover the remarkable tale of Lisa Myers, a nurse who faced kidney disease head-on and emerged victorious through three kidney transplants. Through ...

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means your kidneys slowly get damaged and can't do important jobs like removing waste and keeping blood pressure nor...

Learn about APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD), its causes, symptoms, and treatments. Find information on genetic testing, complications, and manage...

Kidney failure means your kidneys no longer work well. With 85-90% function gone, dialysis or a transplant is needed. Symptoms include fatigue, swelli...

Stage 5 CKD is kidney failure. Your kidneys work at less than 15% capacity, needing dialysis or a transplant. Common symptoms include fatigue, swellin...

This series showcases how icons have courageously faced the challenges of kidney disease while pursuing their passions. Their journeys remind us that ...

Health equity means providing resources based on need, not treating everyone the same. Inequities in CKD arise from factors like race, insurance, and ...

Hydronephrosis is a condition that occurs when a kidney swells and can't get rid of pee (urine) like it should

Stage 4 CKD means severe kidney function loss. Symptoms include fatigue, swelling, and nausea. Regular check-ups and lifestyle changes are crucial for...

Stage 3b CKD means moderate to severe kidney function loss. Symptoms include fatigue, swelling, and nausea. Regular checkups and lifestyle changes can...

Stage 3a CKD: Learn about mild to moderate kidney function loss, symptoms, lifestyle changes, diet, medications, and steps to manage and lower your he...

Stage 2 CKD means mild kidney damage with eGFR 60-89 and albuminuria. Focus on a healthy lifestyle, manage other health issues, and follow your doctor...

Stage 1 CKD means eGFR of 90+ with kidney damage like albuminuria, UTIs, or hematuria for 3+ months.

Learn about managing kidney stones with a specialized diet. Discover the role of hydration, types of kidney stones, and dietary tips for prevention.

Nephrotic syndrome in kids causes swelling and protein loss in urine. Managed with meds and a low-sodium diet. Monitoring is crucial for treatment.

Good nutrition helps people with kidney disease stay healthy. If your kidneys are not working so well, some changes in the diet help you feel better.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is a rare genetic condition causing high oxalate levels in urine, leading to kidney stones and potential kidney fai...

Type 2 diabetes raises the risk of kidney disease, a serious condition. Early testing and managing diabetes are crucial to prevent kidney damage and c...

Post-Infectious Glomerulonephritis (PIGN) causes kidney inflammation after infections, leading to symptoms like blood in urine, swelling, and high blo...

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

Relevant and reliable information on the prevention, treatment and scientific explanation of kidney stones.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

Peritonitis is an infection of the peritoneum, which can occur during peritoneal dialysis. Symptoms include abdominal pain and fever. Prompt treatment...

dRTA is a kidney disorder causing acid buildup in the blood. It can be inherited or caused by other conditions. Diagnosis involves blood, urine, and g...

Treating distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) involves using alkali agents to balance blood acid levels. This helps manage related issues like kidney ...

Learn about Sarah Hyland's kidney disease and transplant journey.

When Anne Bina found out that her kidneys were failing three decades after a childhood strep infection had weakened them, her first instinct was to ke...

Plant-based diets focus on whole grains, fruits, and veggies, and may benefit kidney health. They can help manage weight, blood pressure, and diabetes...

Plant-based diets, like those with soy protein, may reduce kidney disease risk in Type 2 diabetes and offer other health benefits

Hepatitis C virus infection  can cause liver issues and accelerate CKD progression. Learn about HCV's impact on CKD, screening methods, and the l...

Eating healthy is important if you have kidney failure. Good nutrition gives you the energy to do your daily tasks, prevent infection, build and keep ...

Can dehydration affect your kidneys? The answer is yes. Learn more.

Adam Doiron is an Ironman triathlete and marathon runner. But he wasn't always this serious about his health.

From obese to CrossFit, Wilson Du lost weight by running and training while on dialysis three times a week. 

Gout and CKD are linked: gout raises CKD risk and vice versa. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, and risk factors.

 I was diagnosed with kidney disease when I was 22 months old. This came as a shock to my parents – we had no family history of kidney disease th...

Although it may seem like kidney disease only affects older people, Joe Mein and his family know that's not the case... In May 2008, at the age o...

Nephropathic cystinosis is a rare, inherited disorder causing cystine buildup. It can affect kidneys, eyes, and other organs, with treatments improvin...

This is my story, somewhat condensed. When I was about 8 years old I started getting severe back pains, only to discover that one of my kidneys had fa...

Dialysis wasn't going to keep Chris Martin in one place. After winning a Dream Trip contest from Backpacker magazine, he set out on a three-day backpa...

Laurie is a single mom of two kids. She holds a Master’s degree from Hamline University, and has spent nineteen years in a career in Human resources m...

My name is Erin; I’m twenty one years old from Saint Paul, MN and a rising senior at Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts. When I was eleven years...

A vegetarian diet can be safe and beneficial for kidney disease patients with careful planning. Focus on managing protein, sodium, potassium, and phos...

Kidney cancer happens when healthy cells in one or both kidneys turn cancerous to form a lump and often go undetected due to lack of symptoms. He...

Minnesota musician, filmmaker, producer and composer Chris Strouth had been dealing with kidney disease for years before his kidneys finally failed in...

From one mother’s mission to a 75-year legacy—learn how Ada DeBold’s fight for her son led to the creation of the National Kidney Foundation.

PTLD is a serious post-transplant condition where white blood cells multiply abnormally, potentially leading to lymphoma. Early detection and treatmen...

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a kidney disease where the immune system attacks kidney filters, causing swelling, fatigue, and proteinuria.

An ectopic kidney is a birth defect where a kidney is out of place. It often causes no symptoms but may affect urine flow, leading to complications. T...

HIV can increase the risk of kidney disease. Regular testing, managing blood pressure, and taking prescribed medications can help protect your kidney ...

When kidneys fail, treatments like dialysis or transplant are needed. Dialysis cleans your blood with a machine, while a transplant gives you a health...

Childhood infections like strep and UTIs can harm kidneys. 

Simple kidney cysts are fluid-filled sacs that usually don't cause issues. If symptomatic, they can be treated with drainage or laparoscopic surg...

Kidney failure affects the whole family. Open communication with children is important. Address their concerns honestly and seek help if needed.

Prevent diabetic kidney disease with good blood sugar control. Regular checkups, a healthy lifestyle, and medication can help protect your kidneys and...

Pregnancy with kidney disease or transplant requires careful planning. Discuss risks, treatments, and health impacts with your doctor for a safe pregn...

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) causes fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, leading to kidney damage and failure. Learn about symptoms, risks, and treat...

Procedures for removing large kidney stones through a small incision. Effective and less invasive than open surgery. Risks include infection and bleed...

Children with chronic kidney disease need tailored diets for growth, focusing on protein, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and fluid based on their trea...

Good nutrition helps people with kidney disease stay healthy. If your kidneys are not working so well, some changes in the diet help you feel better.

Nephrotic syndrome causes protein loss in urine, leading to swelling and foamy urine. Diagnosis involves tests; treatment focuses on symptoms and unde...

Thin Basement Membrane Disease is a rare inherited kidney disorder affecting glomeruli, causing hematuria and proteinuria. It typically has a benign c...

Manage heart health on dialysis with a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and medical treatments. Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood su...

Minimal Change Disease (MCD) affects kidney filters, causing foamy urine and swelling. Common in kids, it's usually treated with steroids.

Learn about metabolic syndrome after a kidney transplant, its risks, and effective lifestyle changes to manage and prevent this condition for better h...

Medullary Sponge Kidney (MSK) is a rare congenital disorder where small cysts form in the kidneys, possibly leading to urinary tract infections and ki...

Hydronephrosis is kidney swelling due to urine buildup, often found in prenatal ultrasounds. It's monitored and may need treatment after birth.

Managing work with CKD? You might need adjustments or time off for treatment. Know your job rights, consider disability benefits, and use job resource...

Kidneys filter waste and maintain body balance. Kidney disease can affect overall health.

High blood pressure is common in kids with CKD and can worsen the condition. Early detection and treatment are crucial. Learn more about managing bloo...

Learn about FSGS, a kidney disease causing scarring in glomeruli. Understand its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. Stay informed abo...

Fluoride’s impact on CKD is unclear due to limited research. It helps prevent tooth decay but may cause rare bone issues. Check the provided documents...

Fabry disease is a rare genetic disorder causing dangerous fat buildup in cells due to a missing enzyme, leading to kidney, heart, and brain issues.

Support employees with end stage renal disease (ESRD) by understanding treatment options, necessary workplace adjustments, and legal protections.

How diabetes impacts kidney function in Stage 5 CKD. Managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and diet to protect your kidneys.

Learn how diabetes increases the risk of kidney disease. Understand the signs of kidney damage, prevention strategies, and treatment options.

Ultrasound can detect kidney and urinary tract abnormalities before birth. Many do not impact overall health, but some may need treatment after delive...

Tips for parents of children with chronic kidney disease: Learn about CKD, engage in care, manage diet and medication, and seek support from others.

Childhood nephrotic syndrome, also called nephrosis, causes too much protein in urine, weight gain, and swelling. It affects kids' kidneys and is...

Alport syndrome is a genetic disease causing kidney damage, hearing loss, and eye problems. Learn about its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments for ki...

Learn about kidney failure treatments: hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplant. Understand each option to make informed choices with ...

Did you know that diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure? High blood sugar levels can have a damaging ripple effect in many parts of your bod...