Kidney disease
Kidney disease is a condition that occurs when your kidneys cannot properly filter waste, toxins, and excess fluid from your body. Kidney disease is an ongoing condition that requires long-term medical care to take care of your health. Kidney disease progresses in 5 stages and may eventually lead to kidney failure.
The goal in treating kidney disease is to best manage your health at each stage, which can help slow progression and preserve kidney function for as long as possible. In kidney failure, there are different treatment options that can help people live a good life.
8 facts about kidney disease
About 1 in 10 people have some degree of kidney disease.
High blood pressure and diabetes are the most common causes of kidney disease.
A person may lose up to 90% of their kidney function before developing any symptoms.
Early detection is key. Simple blood and urine tests can help detect kidney disease.
Kidney disease progresses in 5 stages and may eventually lead to kidney failure.
There is no cure for kidney disease, but its progression can be slowed by following a kidney-friendly diet and medications.
Kidney disease can occur at any age but becomes more common as we age.
Kidney disease can affect people of all races.
What are the symptoms of kidney disease?
Kidney disease is difficult to detect early because many people don’t develop symptoms until it’s late. Symptoms may include changes in urination, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, itching, back pain, or swelling of the hands and feet.
Are you at risk for kidney disease?
Some factors put you at higher risk for kidney disease, including your family history, certain health conditions, race, or overuse of medications.
What causes kidney disease?
There are many factors that lead to kidney disease, the most common being diabetes and high blood pressure. Even very health-conscious people may be at risk for kidney disease.
How is kidney disease diagnosed?
Early diagnosis is key to slowing the progression of kidney disease and preserving kidney function. Your doctor can determine whether you have kidney disease by calculating your kidney function from blood test results and other health information about you. Talk to your doctor and make testing a priority!