Definition

Renal diseases are conditions that affect the kidneys and their function.

 

Types

 

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and excessive amount of fluid from the bloodstream. In CKD, the kidneys gradually become damaged and cannot filter blood they way they should. Damage happens over a long period of time.

 

 Symptoms

  • Abnormal urination patterns 
  • Swelling of the feet and ankles
  • High blood pressure
  • Nausea/Vomiting
  • Muscle Cramps
  • Dry, itchy skin

 

   Risk Factors

  • Age
  • Diabetes
  • Family History of Kidney Failure
  • Heart Disease
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Race/Ethnicity

 

   Prevention

  • Eat a healthy diet (with less than 2,300 mg of Sodium per day)
  • Exercise
  • Limit alcohol intake
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Manage diabetes
  • Manage high blood pressure
  • Quit smoking
  • Reduce stress
  • Sleep

 

End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

End Stage Renal Disease is when the gradual loss of kidney function that occurs with chronic kidney disease reaches an advanced state. With End Stage Renal Disease, patients need dialysis to filter their blood or a kidney transplant.

 

Symptoms

  • Abnormal urination patterns 
  • Swelling of the feet and ankles
  • High blood pressure
  • Nausea/Vomiting
  • Muscle Cramps
  • Dry, itchy skin
  • Metallic taste
  • Difficulty sleeping

 

   Risk Factors

  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Tobacco use
  • Family History of Kidney Failure
  • Heart Disease
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Race/Ethnicity
  • Frequent use of medications that can invoke damage to the kidneys

 

   Prevention

  • Eat a healthy diet (with less than 2,300 mg of Sodium per day)
  • Exercise
  • Limit alcohol intake
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Manage diabetes
  • Manage high blood pressure
  • Quit smoking
  • Reduce stress
  • Sleep
  • Get regular check ups

 

Vaccinations

Kidney disease can make it harder to fight off certain diseases, make it more likely complications to those diseases will follow, or increase the risk of a heart attack. The CDC recommends all adults receive:

  • Influenza – recommended every year, age 6 months and older
  • Tdap – (if an adult did not receive it as an adolescent to protect against pertussis (whooping cough), and then a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years.

Additionally, the CDC recommends the following vaccines for adults suffering from kidney disease (talk to your doctor about which vaccines are right for you):

 

Renal Disease and COVID-19

From The National Kidney Foundation:

People with kidney disease and other severe chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for more severe illness.

People on dialysis can have weaker immune systems, making it harder to fight infections. However, it is important to know that kidney patients need to continue with their regularly scheduled dialysis treatments and to take necessary precautions as recommended by their healthcare team.

People with a kidney transplant need to take anti-rejection medicines (also known as immunosuppressive medicines). These medicines work by keeping the immune system less active, which can make it harder to fight infections. It is important to keep taking these medicines. It is also important to wash hands, maintain good hygiene and follow the recommendations from their healthcare team.

National Kidney Foundation

 

Resources