Complications
Diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease
September 04, 2008The two most common causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. Approximately 20 million Americans are unaware of their risk for kidney disease. Learning you have diabetes or high blood pressure, and controlling these illnesses can help you prevent or delay chronic kidney disease.
Anemia and chronic kidney disease
February 22, 2006
When people think of anemia, they often think of pale skin. But anemia can affect more than just your appearance. It can leave you feeling tired and out of breath. Prolonged anemia can affect how your tissues and major organs function. For people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), anemia is a common complication. Why are people with CKD at risk for anemia? How is anemia treated? Find out more about anemia, its causes and how it can affect your well-being.
Eyes and chronic kidney disease
January 23, 2006
Many people consider sight the most important of the five senses. Without the ability to see, day-to-day tasks can be difficult, frustrating and dangerous. Patients with chronic kidney disease may be surprised to discover that vision can be affected by their condition. Learn what you can do to protect your eyesight and the health of your eyes.
Dental health for people with kidney disease
February 20, 2006
When was the last time you saw your dentist? Good oral health can help prevent dental problems such as tooth decay, tooth loss and gum disease. More than that, good dental health is important to avoid other complications for people with chronic kidney disease. Learn more about why taking care of your teeth is important, especially if you have kidney disease.
Male sexuality and chronic kidney disease
June 08, 2007
Many men who are diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are concerned about the impact the illness will have on their sexuality. Some men do not notice any change, while others may find their sex drive has diminished. Some men worry their treatments will lead to erectile dysfunction. Find out how CKD can affect a man’s sex life.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and chronic kidney disease
July 21, 2006
Are there times when you feel an uncomfortable or unpleasant sensation in your legs and get the urge to move them? If this happens when you are trying to relax or fall asleep, you may have a condition called restless leg syndrome (RLS). Many people with chronic kidney disease and those on dialysis have reported having a problem with restless leg syndrome. Restless leg syndrome is annoying and it can prevent you from getting an adequate amount of sleep. Learn more about restless leg syndrome, its causes and what can be done to help you get the rest you need.
Infections and chronic kidney disease
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Your body fights infections continually; whether it’s the redness around a small cut on your finger or a common cold. But if an infection grows faster than your immune system can fight it, your body can be overwhelmed. If you have chronic kidney disease, your ability to fight infection may be weakened because of your condition. What can you do to keep yourself infection free? Learn more about infections, how they can affect people with renal disease and what you can do to boost your body’s immune system.
Lupus and chronic kidney disease
December 05, 2006
Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily targets women, especially minorities, in their childbearing years. While the effects of lupus can range from mild to severe, about half of all lupus patients suffer kidney damage that may lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) or even kidney failure.
Chronic kidney disease and your heart
December 21, 2006
If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), you’re probably concerned about the health of your kidneys and how well they are functioning. But your kidneys aren’t the only organs at risk. Your heart and blood vessels can become damaged as a result of CKD or as a result of the underlying conditions that caused your renal disease. Find out about the risk of cardiovascular disease and what you can do to help the health of your blood vessels and heart.
HIV/AIDS and chronic kidney disease
December 29, 2008
People who are HIV-positive or living with AIDS may be at risk for kidney disease because of the progression of the AIDS virus and the side effects of the medicines they take to control it. Learn what to look for and what questions to ask your health care professional about chronic kidney disease if you have or know someone with HIV.
Renal osteodystrophy — bone disease and kidney failure
December 29, 2008
It may sound odd to hear that kidney disease can lead to bone disease; however, 90 percent of those on dialysis and many with chronic kidney disease have renal osteodystrophy. Healthy kidneys maintain levels of calcium and phosphorus and activate vitamin D, which keeps bones healthy and strong. When kidneys are no longer able to maintain the balance of these minerals and activate vitamin D, this can lead to renal osteodystrophy. Using a combination of diet, dialysis and medicines, you may help prevent bone disease. Learn more about bone and mineral metabolism, renal osteodystrophy, how it is treated and how you can help keep your bones healthy and strong.
Cholesterol and chronic kidney disease
February 03, 2009
If you watch television, you may have seen commercials for cholesterol-lowering drugs or that certain cereals can help your cholesterol over time; it seems that high cholesterol is common in the general population. People with chronic kidney disease should also be aware of their cholesterol level, as high cholesterol may lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is common for people on dialysis. Learn about cholesterol, how it affects those with kidney disease and what you can do to stay healthy.
Hair, nails and chronic kidney disease
March 17, 2009Appearance is important to many people. So when a person with chronic kidney disease goes through changes like hair loss or nail discoloration, it can be uncomfortable. Learn how your hair and nails may visibly change with chronic kidney disease and dialysis, and how you can help get them healthy.
IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease)
July 16, 2009
IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger’s disease, is a type of chronic kidney disease that can either cause acute renal failure and one day go into remission, or become chronic kidney disease (CKD) that may eventually lead to end stage renal disease (ESRD). To better understand IgA nephropathy, learn about the symptoms, risk factors, causes and treatments for this type of kidney disease.
Inflammation and chronic kidney disease
July 02, 2009
Inflammation is the body’s response to help fight off foreign substances, such as viruses, bacteria and injury. However, sometimes inflammation can become a problem and damage the tissues in the body. For chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis, inflammation can lead to poor appetite, poor nutrition and cardiovascular disease. Learn about inflammation, how it affects people with chronic kidney disease and how to treat it.
Inflammation diseases of the kidneys
October 19, 2009
Inflammation diseases of the kidneys can cause chronic kidney disease (CKD) and eventually a need for dialysis. Glormerulonephritis, IgA nephropathy (Berger’s disease) and lupus nephritis are just a few you will learn about. Discover what the causes, symptoms and possible treatments are for these kidney inflammation diseases.
Alport Syndrome
February 16, 2010
We all have a family medical history and some conditions we may inherit. Alport syndrome is an uncommon genetic disorder which affects the kidneys. Although Alport syndrome is mainly inherited by men, women can also be affected by this disorder that causes chronic kidney disease (CKD). Learn if you are at risk for Alport syndrome, what the signs are and how you can treat this condition when it progresses to end stage renal disease (ESRD).
Learn about the stages of kidney disease with our easy-to-use GFR calculator, store results and track a GFR over time.
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