Thread: Common Questions About Kidney Disease

I have gathered a few questions frequently asked on kidney disease for us to know more about them.


What is Kidney Disease?

Kidney Disease is occurs when kidneys fails to function and remove wastes and extra water from the blood. It is also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD).

What causes Kidney Disease?

Diabetes or high blood pressure are most often cause of kidney disease. They damage the filters made up of blood vessels so the kidneys are not able to filter the blood properly. If more filters are damaged, it would lead to kidney malfunction.

What are the symptoms of Kidney Disease?

Some symptoms won't show up until you get lab test where they would usually find protein or blood in the urine.

For urinary tract infection, you will notice the need to urinate very frequently or urgently. You may also notice that urine looks bloody, cloudy or feel a burning sensation when urinating.

For advanced kidney failure, you will experience symptoms like loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea vomiting, sleepiness, and a metallic taste in the mouth.

How can I prevent kidney stones?

That would depend on what type of kidney stones you have. Here are the 4 types:

Calcium Stones - These are the most common. You may reduce your calcium intake but not before your discuss it with your doctor. If you have not enough calcium in your body, it could lead to weaker bones and muscles. You may also ask your doctor to reduce sodium in your diet.

Struvite Stones - These are common after urinary tract infections (UTIs). Struvite Stones are made of magnesium and ammonia.

Uric Acid Stones - These are caused by acid from red meat. Talk to your doctor about reducing red meat from your diet.

Cystine Stones - These are not very common, and are often due to an inherited disease. They contain cystine, which is a product of the amino acids cysteine and methionine.

If you drink plenty of water, that could help prevent kidney stone formation. For calcium and uric acid stones, medicines may also be an option.


Is alcohol or soda bad for the kidneys?

If taken in moderation, they are not bad for kidneys. Sodas are high in calories which could later lead to diabetes and alcohol could affect the liver, which could raise blood pressure. Diabetes and high blood pressure cause kidney failure.


Why is smoking bad for the kidneys?

Yes, it could increase a person's risk to kidney cancer. If a person already has a kidney disease, smoking could make it even worst.


Source: Kidney Fund/NIH Senior Health

Could UTI lead to serious disease as well? I hope not since my sister has it. We found out last week. her doctor just prescribed her some meds.

You can tell you sister to drink coconut water.. That would help treat her UTI.. I don't think it's that serious..She's already taking medication so she should be fine.

I had UTI before too and coconut juice really is an effective remedy.. It helps prevent kidney stones too..