Education can be a life saver
When it comes to kidney disease, education can help save lives. Learning about the prevention of kidney disease and how to prolong kidney function may help people with chronic kidney disease avoid dialysis and transplant.
For those on dialysis, knowing all they can about the treatment, including the role of diet and nutrition, can help improve their quality of life.
Read informative and inspirational articles about kidney disease and dialysis
(All articles link to DaVita.com and open in a new window )
| Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome |
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) occurs primarily in young children after an infection of shiga toxin-producing E. coli bacteria. There are two variations of HUS, one of which accounts for 95 percent of all cases. DaVita nurse Silvia German explores the causes, symptoms and treatments of HUS, as well as ways of preventing it. |
| Dense deposit disease |
Dense deposit disease (DDD) is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the kidneys and oftentimes the eyes. Diagnosed in childhood, DDD affects a few people in every million, but awareness of the disease is gaining momentum. Discover the causes, symptoms and treatments of DDD. |
| Fabry disease |
![]() Fabry disease is a rare genetic condition that affects the body’s ability to metabolize fatty substances called GL-3 lipids. As a result, these substances accumulate in body tissues and organs, eventually affecting organ function, including the kidneys and the heart. Discover the causes, symptoms and treatments of Fabry disease. |
| Healthcare reform: 6 things kidney patients should know |
![]() Healthcare reform is a hot topic, and in 2010 new laws were passed that could affect people with kidney disease and their families. Here are six things kidney patients should know to help navigate through healthcare reform, also known as the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act. |
| Talking to children about kidney disease |
![]() A diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be a scary time for the entire family. If you have CKD, it’s important to talk to the children in your life. Tailor your answers about kidney disease depending on the child's age, and explain as much as the child is able to understand. |
| What is glomerulosclerosis? |
![]() Glomerulosclerosis is the scarring of the kidney’s tiny filtering units called glomeruli. Glomerulosclerosis can be caused by varying types of kidney conditions. Often the cause of glomerulosclerosis is not known. Discover the signs and symptoms of glomerulosclerosis, as well as the treatment. |
| New to kidney disease |
![]() If you are newly diagnosed with kidney disease, you may experience many difficult emotions. However, early stage kidney disease can be managed with medication, diet and lifestyle changes. By becoming proactive, learning about the disease and making healthy choices, you can help slow the progression of kidney disease. |
| Managing medicines when you have chronic kidney disease |
![]() Managing medicines is an important part of keeping people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) healthier. Many medications are prescribed for people with kidney disease, so getting help to determine what to take and when to take it is a good practice. Discover ways to manage kidney disease medicines once and for all. |
| What's it like to live with one kidney? |
![]() Most people have two kidneys, but some only have one. Is it possible for them to be healthy with only one kidney? The answer is yes. Discover why somebody may have one kidney, and the precautions they should take because of this unique condition. |
| Seven summertime precautions for people with kidney disease |
Summer is here and many people will take advantage of the warm weather. Everyone needs to plan ahead to have a safe summer, including people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Read about the top seven summertime precautions to take so you can stay healthy while enjoying some fun in the sun. |
| Goodpasture's syndrome |
![]() Goodpasture’s syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the lungs and kidneys. It’s not fully clear how people get Goodpasture’s syndrome, but genetics may play a role. In most cases, people can recover from the lung infection, and early detection may halt further kidney damage. Learn more about the signs, causes and treatments of Goodpasture’s syndrome. |
| Common prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs: how they affect people with chronic kidney disease |
![]() A common medication that helps treat a minor health problem could cause harm to the kidneys. Dr. Robert Provenzano shares which over-the-counter medicines and prescription drugs affect people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) the most. |
| 5 ways to donate to kidney charities |
![]() Donating to kidney disease charities is a great way to show your support for people who have the disease, are on dialysis or have a kidney transplant. Learn about the five ways you can donate your time and resources to kidney disease awareness and research. |
| What's it like to donate a kidney? |
When a person has end stage renal disease (ESRD) – the last stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) – they either need dialysis or a kidney transplant to live. Donating a kidney is a great gift to a person with ESRD. It’s also an intensely personal decision that can be a different experience for everyone. Learn what it can be like for a live kidney donor to go through the physical and emotional aspects of a kidney donation. |
| Alport Syndrome |
![]() We all have a family medical history and some conditions we may inherit. Alport syndrome is an uncommon genetic disorder which affects the kidneys. Although Alport syndrome is mainly inherited by men, women can also be affected by this disorder that causes chronic kidney disease (CKD). Learn if you are at risk for Alport syndrome, what the signs are and how you can treat this condition when it progresses to end stage renal disease (ESRD). |
| Routine medical screenings for people with chronic kidney disease |
![]() When you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), it may seem as though you visit your nephrologist a lot to make sure your kidney health is taken care of. It is also important to make sure that your overall health is in order. That’s why it is suggested to schedule a routine medical screening once a year with your primary care physician (PCP). Listed are the types of screenings you should schedule with your primary care doctor, recommended ages for certain medical screenings and tips on how to keep your entire health in check. |
| Keeping your job when you have chronic kidney disease |
When you have chronic kidney disease or need dialysis, you can keep working. There are benefits to working such as keeping your insurance and maintaining your lifestyle. However, you may need to make adjustments depending on how you feel or your dialysis schedule. From managing fatigue to knowing which dialysis treatment works best for your schedule; find out how keeping your job when you have chronic kidney disease can be possible and positive. |
| Inflammation diseases of the kidneys |
Inflammation diseases of the kidneys can cause chronic kidney disease (CKD) and eventually a need for dialysis. Glormerulonephritis, IgA nephropathy (Berger’s disease) and lupus nephritis are just a few you will learn about. Discover what the causes, symptoms and possible treatments are for these kidney inflammation diseases. |
| Immunizations- Which shots you need and why |
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| What is COBRA? |
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Immunizations are necessary for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and who are on dialysis. Along with taking your prescribed medicine, receiving dialysis treatments if you have end stage renal disease (ESRD) and following a kidney diet, immunizations are a fundamental part of your kidney care. Learn about which immunizations may be necessary when you have chronic kidney disease.
Many people who find out they have chronic kidney disease (CKD) may feel worried about their health. And trying to figure out what insurance you need may add to the stress. Read on to understand what COBRA continuation coverage is, how it works and who can receive it.
