Understanding Kidney Disease
What Do Kidneys Do?
Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of your fist. They play a big role in keeping your body healthy:
Filtering waste and extra fluid from your blood.
Balancing important minerals like sodium and potassium.
Helping control blood pressure.
Producing hormones that keep your bones strong and your blood healthy.
When kidneys don’t work properly, waste and fluid build up in the body, leading to serious health problems.
What is Kidney Disease?
Kidney disease happens when your kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood the way they should. The damage usually happens slowly, over time.
Two main types:
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A long-term condition where kidneys lose function gradually. Many people don’t know they have CKD until it’s advanced.
Kidney Failure (End-Stage Renal Disease): When kidneys can no longer work on their own. At this stage, dialysis or a transplant is needed to survive.
What Causes Kidney Disease?
The most common causes are:
Diabetes – High blood sugar damages blood vessels in the kidneys.
High Blood Pressure – Extra strain weakens the kidneys over time.
Family History – Genetics can play a role.
Other Conditions – Infections, autoimmune diseases, or injuries.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Kidney disease often develops quietly, with few symptoms early on. As it gets worse, you may notice:
Swelling in your hands, feet, or face
Fatigue or feeling weak
Changes in urination (more often, less often, or foamy urine)
Trouble sleeping or concentrating
Muscle cramps
If you notice these signs, talk with your doctor right away. Early detection can slow or prevent kidney failure.
Treatment Options
When kidneys fail, patients need dialysis or a transplant to survive.
Dialysis: A process that filters waste and extra fluid from the blood. Some people receive dialysis several times a week.
Kidney Transplant: A healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor is placed into a patient whose kidneys have failed.
A kidney transplant is often the best treatment because it can give patients more energy, fewer diet restrictions, and a longer, healthier life. But many patients spend years on the transplant waiting list.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney Donation
Q: Can I live with one kidney?
Yes. Most people are born with two kidneys, but you only need one healthy kidney to live a normal, active life.
Q: What is a living donor?
A living donor is someone who chooses to give one of their kidneys to a patient in need. This could be a relative, friend, or even an anonymous donor.
Q: What is a deceased donor?
A deceased donor is someone who registered as an organ donor or whose family gives consent for donation after death.
Q: How does the transplant waiting list work?
The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) manages the national transplant waiting list. When a kidney becomes available, patients are matched based on medical need, blood type, time on the waitlist, and other factors.
Q: How long do transplanted kidneys last?
On average, a kidney from a living donor lasts 15–20 years, while a kidney from a deceased donor lasts 10–15 years. Many people live full lives with a transplant.
Why Early Detection Matters
The earlier kidney disease is found, the easier it is to treat. Simple blood and urine tests can check how well your kidneys are working. Early care can prevent or delay kidney failure, and it can give patients more time to prepare for a transplant if needed.
Living with Kidney Disease
A diagnosis can feel overwhelming—but you are not alone. Many people with kidney disease live full, active lives by:
Following their doctor’s care plan.
Eating a kidney-friendly diet.
Taking prescribed medications.
Joining support groups and learning from others.
Exploring treatment options like dialysis or transplant if needed.
You are not alone on this journey.
AKPA is here to connect you with education, resources, and support every step of the way.