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.

Immunizations are necessary for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and who are on dialysis. Along with taking your prescribed medicine, receiving dialysis treatments if you have end stage renal disease (ESRD) and following a kidney diet, immunizations are a fundamental part of your kidney care. Learn about which immunizations may be necessary when you have chronic kidney disease.

Many people who find out they have chronic kidney disease (CKD) may feel worried about their health. And trying to figure out what insurance you need may add to the stress. Read on to understand what COBRA continuation coverage is, how it works and who can receive it.

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.

Have you ever heard your doctor or nurse discuss your creatinine level? Creatinine is a chemical waste product that is released into the blood when muscles contract. With good kidney function, creatinine is filtered from the blood through the kidneys. When creatinine levels are high, it can be an indicator of kidney disease. Doctors will order a blood test for serum creatinine levels to determine kidney function and use the number to calculate glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which can determine the stage of chronic kidney disease.

For many patients living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), it is not the only medical problem they have to live with. Maintaining good health and quality of life when dealing with comorbidities can require balance in many aspects of a person’s life. Keeping communication lines open with your doctors, working with a dietitian for the best diet plan to follow and taking medicines as prescribed by your doctors can help you manage your kidney disease and comorbid conditions. Learn more.

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.

Appearance 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.

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.

Dialysis is a treatment that replaces kidney function when chronic kidney disease progresses to end stage renal disease. When kidney function declines to about 10% to 15% of normal function, dialysis filters the blood of waste and extra fluid for the kidneys. Learn when dialysis is needed, which treatments are best, how often and how long dialysis is needed and more.

While it is rare, teenagers may find out they have chronic kidney disease (CKD) and need dialysis. In adults, chronic kidney disease usually happens over time due to untreated high blood pressure or diabetes; however, CKD in teenagers is usually due to persistent urinary tract infections, nephrotic syndrome and nephritis. Parents and their teenagers can learn more about CKD, the symptoms and how to treat it.

As a teen you have a lot going on. If you’re dealing with chronic kidney disease you may have questions about how it affects you. Here are some tips for dealing with parents, friends, your health and other issues.

While the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires the attention of a trained medical team, there are things you can do to participate in your care. You can take an active role in your health care by learning all you can about CKD, being honest with your kidney care team, following your kidney care plan, getting regular checkups and having a positive attitude. This may empower you to continue doing the things you love and live your life to the fullest. Learn some simple ways you can get involved in your CKD care.

Glomerulonephritis, also called glomerular disease, is a type of kidney disease in which the kidneys’ filters become inflamed or damaged. It is the third leading cause of end stage renal disease (ESRD) in the United States. There are many different causes of glomerulonephritis, including infections or autoimmune diseases such as lupus, and it can come on slowly or quickly. In some cases, glomerulonephritis can lead to ESRD and dialysis. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of glomerulonephritis.

Finding out your child has chronic kidney disease will bring up many questions: How can I help my child? How much should I tell my child about their health condition? What can my child understand about kidney disease and dialysis? Here are a few tips to help parents better deal with their child’s illness and the changes in the day-to-day life of the entire family.

Residual kidney function is the term used to describe how much of your kidney function remains once you have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. Even after you start dialysis, it is critical to try to preserve residual kidney function for as long as possible because it improves your overall health and well-being. Learn more about what residual kidney function is and how you can preserve it.

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.

Blood pressure is a measurement of the force and amount of blood your heart pumps. High blood pressure is the second leading cause of chronic kidney disease. The strong force of blood can be harmful to the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys. High blood pressure medicine helps lower the force of blood and is sometimes even prescribed to those without high blood pressure to help preserve kidney function. Learn about blood pressure medicines and how they may help protect your kidneys.

Who hasn’t heard the saying, “Laughter is the best medicine?” Many more health care professionals are recognizing the impact a positive attitude can have on overall health, but how can this be achieved when facing a challenging situation like chronic kidney disease? Humor is one of the most powerful ways to improve your physical and mental well-being. Learn how you can use laughter to feel better about yourself and your health.

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.