New to kidney disease

Your kidneys are a vital part of your body. The kidney’s main task is to clean your blood and filter waste out through your urine. When your kidneys aren't functioning as they should, waste gradually builds up in your body, and this can have a devastating impact on your health. This condition is called kidney disease - the loss of normal kidney function over time. It can also be called kidney failure, which is the end-stage of kidney disease.

‘Acute kidney disease’ is where the kidneys recover normal function within three months. ‘Chronic kidney disease’ is where there is a loss of healthy kidney function for more than three months.

Chronic kidney disease is the most common form of kidney disease. There are five recognised stages. Stage 1 is the mildest form and often hard to detect with no obvious signs. It gradually progresses through to kidney failure in later stages.

There are many different causes of kidney disease. Currently in Australia, the most common is diabetes. Diabetes accounts for 38 per cent of all new cases. There is also a very strong link between kidney disease and high blood pressure. Other causes include immune diseases, congenital conditions, or genetic disorders, such as polycystic kidney disease.

Kidney disease is not reversible, but it is treatable if caught early. The treatment you are given depends on what type of kidney disease you have, as well as what stage of kidney disease you are at.

In early stages, you will be encouraged to eat a healthy diet, be active, stop smoking, reduce your alcohol intake and keep you blood pressure and blood glucose levels below the targets your doctor has set for you. Your doctor may also prescribe tablets to help control your blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.

In later stages, you have three treatment options:

1. You can elect to have a kidney transplant
2. You can start regular kidney replacement therapy – also known as kidney dialysis
3. You may choose conservative management and supportive care.

Kidney function has an enormous impact on your ability to survive. But with effective management, you can slow the progression of kidney disease and reduce potential complications – meaning it is possible to live a fulfilled life even if you have the disease.