FAQ's on Kidney Transplant

Q- What do kidneys do?

Ans- We have two kidneys. They are bean-shaped and about the size of a fist. They are located in the middle of the back, on the left and right of spine just below the rib cage.

The kidneys main job is to filter blood, removing wastes and extra water to make urine. They also help control blood pressure and make hormones that the body needs to stay healthy. When the kidneys are damaged, wastes can build up in the body.

Q- What Is kidney disease?

Ans- Kidney disease – also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD) – occurs when kidneys can no longer remove wastes and extra water from the body or perform other functions as they should.

Q- What causes Kidney disease?

Ans- Kidney disease is most often caused by diabetes or high blood pressure.

Each kidney contains about one million tiny filters made up of blood vessels. These filters are called glomeruli. Diabetes and high blood pressure damage these blood vessels, so the kidneys are not able to filter the blood as well as they used to. Usually this damage happens slowly, over many years. As more and more filters are damaged, the kidneys eventually stop working.

Q- What are the risk factors of the kidney disease?

Ans- Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading risk factors for kidney disease. Both diabetes and high blood pressure damage the small blood vessels in kidneys and can cause kidney disease – without you feeling it.

There are several other risk factors for kidney disease. Cardiovascular (heart) disease is a risk factor. So is family history: if you have a mother, father, sister, or brother who has had kidney disease, then you are at increased risk.

Q- How can I keep my kidneys healthy?

Ans- You can keep your kidneys healthy longer by taking steps to control your diabetes and high blood pressure. Manage your diabetes and high blood pressure by

Eating heart healthy foods: fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low fat dairy foods.

Cutting back on salt

Limiting your alcohol intake

Being more physically active

Losing weight if you are over weight

Taking your medicines the way your provider tells you to

Keeping your cholesterol levels in the target range.

Taking steps to quit, if you smoke, and

Seeing your doctor regularly.

Q- What are the symptoms of kidney disease?

Ans- Kidney disease is often called a “silent” disease, because most people have no symptoms in early kidney disease. In fact, you may feel just fine until your kidneys have almost stopped working. Do NOT wait for symptoms; Blood and urine tests are the only way to check for kidney damage or measure kidney function.

Q- How do doctors diagnose kidney disease?

Ans- A blood test and a urine test are used to find kidney disease. If you have diabetes, high blood, heart disease, or a family history of kidney failure, you should also get tested regularly – ask your health care provider how often.

Q- What does the blood test for kidney disease revel?

Ans- The blood test for kidney disease is called a GFR. (GFR stands for glomerular Filtration Rate). This test helps your doctor measure how much blood your kidneys filter each minute. This shows how well your kidneys are working.

GFR is reported as a number. A GFR below 60 may mean you have kidney disease. However, because GFR decreases as people age, other information may be needed to determine if you actually have kidney disease if you are older and your GFR is decreased. You can’t raise your GFR, but you can try to keep it from going lower. Ask your healthcare provider what you can do to keep your kidneys healthy.

Q- What does the urine test for kidney disease reveal?

Ans- The urine test for kidney disease looks for albumin (al-BYOO-min), a type of protein, in your urine. A healthy kidney does not let albumin pass into the urine. A damaged kidney lets some albumin pass into the urine. If you have albumin or protein in your urine, it could mean you have kidney disease. Your doctor might do additional tests to be sure.