Kidney Disease
Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that play a big role in keeping you healthy. The kidneys act as natural filters by producing urine to remove waste products like extra water and sodium (salt).
Kidneys also help balance important minerals like potassium, calcium and magnesium, which keep your heart, muscles and nerves working properly.
What is Kidney Disease?
Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood as they should.
As part of their regular role, the kidneys regulate the amount of salt and water in your blood, a process known as homeostasis. When this balance is off and there is too much salt and water in your blood, it can raise blood pressure (hypertension). Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can further damage the kidneys, causing chronic kidney disease.
Types of Kidney Disease
There are different types of kidney disease:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD): Long-term damage that gets worse over time, often caused by diabetes or high blood pressure. It’s estimated that 1 in 7 adults has CKD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Acute kidney injury (AKI): A sudden loss of kidney function, usually from an illness, such as infection or dehydration, and occasionally from obstruction to urine flow or certain medicines.
- Kidney stones: Hard mineral deposits that can cause pain and block urine flow.
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): A genetic condition that causes fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidneys.
Risk Factors of CKD
Multiple risk factors increase a person’s risk for chronic kidney disease, including:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Family history
- Smoking
Signs of CKD
Chronic kidney disease develops slowly and does not cause any pain or symptoms. It can be diagnosed only through blood and urine testing. High blood pressure is usually the first problem. As things worsen, common signs include:
- Swelling in the feet, ankles or hands
- Feeling tired or weak
- Changes in urination (going more or less often)
- Muscle twitching cramps
- Loss of appetite
Effects of Uncontrolled CKD
CKD is categorized into five stages; stage 5 is the most severe or worst stage. When someone has complete loss of their kidney function, it is known as end-stage kidney disease. The only two treatment options for this are dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Preventing CKD
The best way to protect your kidneys is by keeping your whole body healthy. You can lower your risk by:
- Managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
- Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a balanced diet with less salt and processed food
- Replacing soda and sugary drinks with water
- Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol
- Getting regular checkups and kidney function tests if you’re at high risk
Chronic Kidney Disease in Texas
More than 2 million adults in Texas are estimated to have chronic kidney disease. With diabetes and high blood pressure being two of the leading causes of kidney disease, this makes education, early testing and healthy lifestyle habits especially important.
University Health Resources
Primary Care
University Health primary care providers can provide education about healthy eating. Find a primary care clinic near you.
Kidney Care
Visit our kidney care and dialysis page for information on kidney function, common kidney diseases and related conditions that can affect their health.
Kidney Transplant
Our nationally recognized University Health Transplant Institute is known for its high-quality care in kidney transplantation. Transplant patients have access to a transplant social worker, spiritual care through our Pastoral Care Services Department, peer support and more.
HealthFocus SA Blog
Find dietitian-approved recipes on our HealthFocus SA blog.
Community Resources
National Kidney Foundation
As part of its mission to prevent kidney disease, the National Kidney Foundation offers resources to empower patients in preventing or slowing the progression of this disease.
Texas Kidney Foundation
The Texas Kidney Foundation offers a free Kidney Health Quiz to help with early detection of kidney disease.