All Kidney disease Articles

(Chronic Kidney Disease) by Madeline Vann, MPHDefinition Chronic renal failure occurs when a kidney is damaged and cannot work effectively. Kidneys clean waste from the blood, which passes out of the body in urine. If the disease is caught early, damage to the kidney can be slowed, but not stopped completely. The Kidneys© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.Causes Chronic renal failure is often caused Read more...

(Sudden Kidney Failure) by Madeline Vann, MPHDefinition Acute renal failure is the sudden loss of kidney function. Kidneys clean waste from the blood and manage the balance of fluid in the body. The condition can be reversed with timely medical intervention, such as dialysis , which is a process that cleans the blood. The Kidneys© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.CausesThere are many possible Read more...

(Kidney Removal)Pronounced: Neh-FREK-toh-mee by Diana KohnleDefinitionA nephrectomy is a surgery in which a kidney or part of a kidney is removed.Parts of the Body InvolvedKidneysReasons for Procedure Kidney removal may be done because of: Birth defectsInjuries to the kidneyInfectionHigh blood pressureTumorChronic bleedingKidney donation for a transplantRisk Factors for Complications During the Read more...

(Renal Diet) by Maria Adams, MS, MPH, RDWhat Is a Dialysis Diet? A dialysis diet is a special diet if you are on dialysis treatment. Why Should I Follow a Dialysis Diet?The kidneys help filter waste from your body, control fluid levels, and regulate levels of potassium and sodium. When the kidneys are not functioning well enough, dialysis can help by performing some of these functions for the Read more...

by Maria Adams, MS, MPH, RDWhat Is a Low-Protein Diet?A low-protein diet limits the amount of protein that you can eat each day.Why Should I Follow a Low-Protein Diet?This diet may be recommended if you have liver or kidney disease. The liver helps in protein digestion, and the kidneys are responsible for removing the waste products of protein digestion. If your liver or kidneys are not fully Read more...

by Maria Adams, MS, MPH, RDWhat Are Oxalates?Oxalates are naturally-occurring substances found in plants, animals, and humans. The kidneys excrete oxalates into the urine.Why Should I Follow a Low-Oxalate Diet? Eating a diet low in oxalates can reduce your risk of developing kidney stones . Kidney stones sometimes form when oxalates and calcium bind together. Decreasing the amount of oxalates Read more...

by Krisha McCoy, MSDefinitionAcute tubular necrosis is damage to the tubule cells (tiny tube-shaped cells) in the kidney that results in acute kidney failure. This is a potentially serious condition that requires care from your doctor.The Kidneys© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.Causes Acute tubular necrosis can be caused by: Lack of oxygen to kidney tissues from issues such as surgical Read more...

by Krisha McCoy, MS Definition Acute interstitial nephritis is a kidney disorder in which the kidneys become unable to filter waste materials and fluid properly. This is a potentially serious condition that requires care from your doctor. The Kidneys© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc. Causes Acute interstitial nephritis can be caused by: Infections such as: StreptococcusHerpesMumpsHepatitis Read more...

by Jean Baker, MS, RDMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource GuideYou have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor or healthcare provider about your personal risk factors and/or experience with kidney stones. By talking openly and regularly with your healthcare provider, Read more...

by Jean Baker, MS, RDMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource Guide Most kidney stones are small enough to eventually pass through the urinary tract without further complications. To facilitate this your doctor will likely advise you to: Drink 2-3 quarts of water a day.Take pain medication as needed.Take Read more...

by Jean Baker, MS, RDMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource GuideUsually the first sign of a kidney stone is intense pain in your lower back or side. This happens when the stone irritates or blocks a section of your urinary tract. The pain may spread to your groin area and inner side of your thigh Read more...

by Jean Baker, MS, RDMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource GuideThe purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually administered to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.Screening Tests and GuidelinesThere are no Read more...

by Jean Baker, MS, RDMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource GuideAmerican Urological AssociationAddress:1000 Corporate BoulevardLinthicum, MD 21090Phone:1-866-746-4282 (US toll free)410-689-3700E-mail Address:auafoundation@auafoundation.orgInternet Address:http://www.afud.orgDescription of Services Read more...

by Jean Baker, MS, RDMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource GuideA risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.It is possible to develop kidney stones with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your Read more...

by Jean Baker, MS, RDMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource GuideOnce a kidney stone has been removed or has passed on its own, the focus shifts to prevention—steps that you can take to minimize your chances of developing another stone. While your specific prevention strategy depends on what kind of Read more...

by Jean Baker, MS, RDMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource GuideYour doctor will ask you questions about your medical history, what medications you are currently taking, and whether anyone in your family suffers from kidney stones.Tests Used to Diagnose a Kidney StoneUrine CultureYour doctor make take a Read more...

by Debra Wood, RNMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With ESRD | Resource GuideThere is no cure for ESRD. Treatment aims to prevent the buildup of harmful wastes in the blood.Treatment may involve the following:Lifestyle changesMedicationsSurgeryOther treatments—dialysisReferences: Andrews PA. Renal Read more...

by Debra Wood, RNMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With ESRD | Resource GuideYou have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor or healthcare provider about your personal risk factors and/or experience with end-stage renal disease. By talking openly and regularly with Read more...

by Debra Wood, RNMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With ESRD | Resource GuideThe Kidney and Its Main Blood Vessels© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc. As kidney failure progresses, some or all of the following signs and symptoms may develop: Loss of appetiteNauseaVomitingFatigueWeight lossItchy Read more...

by Debra Wood, RNMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With ESRD | Resource GuideThe purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually administered to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.Screening TestsBlood tests— Read more...