Frequently Asked Questions

The kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the blood to produce urine. They also help balance electrolytes, regulate blood pressure and support red blood cell production and bone health.

Maintain a balanced diet, stay physically active, avoid smoking, limit excess salt, and manage blood pressure and blood sugar. Follow an appropriate fluid intake plan and attend recommended health check-ups, especially if you have kidney disease.

Warning signs can include swelling in the feet or face, changes in urination, blood or persistent foam in urine, fatigue and high blood pressure. Early kidney disease may have no noticeable symptoms, so testing is important for people at increased risk.

Chronic kidney disease is a condition in which kidney structure or function is abnormal for at least three months. It can affect the kidneys' ability to filter waste and maintain fluid and mineral balance. Early diagnosis and appropriate care can help slow its progression.

Common causes include diabetes, high blood pressure, certain immune-related kidney conditions, inherited disorders, recurrent kidney damage and urinary obstruction. A healthcare professional can help identify the likely cause through medical history and appropriate investigations.

The outcome depends on the type and cause of kidney disease. Some acute kidney problems can improve significantly when treated promptly. Chronic kidney disease is often not fully reversible, but treatment can help preserve kidney function and manage complications.

Common investigations include:

• Blood creatinine and estimated GFR (eGFR).
• Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR).
• Urinalysis and other urine tests.
• Blood pressure measurement.
• Ultrasound or other imaging when indicated.

The right tests depend on your symptoms, history and clinician's assessment.

No. Creatinine can be affected by kidney function, muscle mass, hydration and certain medicines. A clinician interprets the result alongside eGFR, urine tests, previous reports and clinical findings. A single result alone does not establish kidney failure.

Dialysis removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys cannot adequately perform these functions. It may be needed in advanced kidney failure or certain serious acute kidney problems. The timing and type depend on the patient's clinical condition.

Dialysis replaces some of the kidneys' essential filtering functions but does not itself cure chronic kidney disease. Some patients with kidney failure may be eligible for a kidney transplant. Treatment decisions should be made with the kidney care team.

Many people on dialysis continue working, spending time with family and enjoying daily activities. Schedules, energy levels, diet and fluid intake may need adjustment. Your care team can help you plan activities around your treatment.

Kidney stones can cause severe pain in the side or back, pain during urination, blood in the urine, nausea or vomiting. Some stones cause no symptoms. Fever or chills with suspected stones require urgent medical assessment, particularly if urine flow is reduced.

Treatment depends on stone size, location, symptoms and whether there is an obstruction or infection. Some small stones pass naturally with appropriate care. Others may require medication or procedures such as shock-wave lithotripsy or ureteroscopy.

Consider consulting a nephrologist if you have reduced eGFR, persistent protein or blood in urine, difficult-to-control high blood pressure, diabetes with kidney concerns, recurrent kidney problems or unexplained swelling. Your primary care doctor can also advise whether a referral is appropriate.

Please bring the following, if available:

• Recent blood and urine test reports.
• Ultrasound or other imaging reports.
• Your current medicines and doses.
• Previous medical records and discharge summaries.
• Home blood pressure or blood sugar readings.

Also prepare a list of symptoms and questions you want to discuss with your clinician.