Definition & Facts Kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that commonly begins in your bladder and moves upstream to one or both of your kidneys. In rare cases, kidney infections can lead to serious health problems, but quick treatment prevents most complications. Symptoms & Causes Symptoms of kidney...
What are simple kidney cysts? Simple kidney cysts are fluid-filled sacs, or cysts, that can form in one or both of your kidneys. You can have just one cyst or you can have many. Simple kidney cysts are usually round or oval in shape. They can range from the size...
What is PKD? Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder that causes many cysts to grow in the kidneys. PKD cysts cause high blood pressure and problems with blood vessels in the brain and heart. Cysts in the liver can also occur with PKD. Autosomal Dominant PKD Autosomal dominant PKD is often...
What is immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy? IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger’s disease, is a kidney disease that occurs when IgA deposits build up in the kidneys, causing inflammation that damages kidney tissues. IgA is an antibody—a protein made by the immune system to protect the body from foreign substances...
What is diabetic kidney disease? Diabetic kidney disease is a type of kidney disease caused by diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease. About 1 out of 3 adults with diabetes has kidney disease.1 The main job of the kidneys is to filter wastes and extra water out of your...
What is Kidney Failure? Kidney disease can get worse over time and may lead to kidney failure. If less than 15 percent of your kidney is working normally, that’s considered kidney failure. You may have symptoms from the buildup of waste products and extra water in your body. The more you...
Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR) The two key markers for chronic kidney disease (CKD) are urine albumin and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Assess urine albumin excretion yearly to diagnose and monitor kidney damage in patients with type 1 diabetes for five years or more or with type 2 diabetes. More frequent monitoring...
The first steps to eating right Step 1: Choose and prepare foods with less salt and sodium Why? To help control your blood pressure. Your diet should contain less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day. Buy fresh food often. Sodium (a part of salt) is added to many prepared or packaged...
What can I do to keep my kidneys healthy? You can protect your kidneys by preventing or managing health conditions that cause kidney damage, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The steps described below may help keep your whole body healthy, including your kidneys. During your next medical visit, you...
What Is Chronic Kidney Disease? Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means your kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood the way they should. The main risk factors for developing kidney disease are diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and a family history of kidney failure. Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease Diabetes and high...
