# llms.txt v1.0 # domain: kidneyhealth.com # title: Dialysis & Kidney Health · Essential FAQs # description: Evidence-based answers for children, treatment, prevention & living with kidney disease # updated: 2026-05-30 # total_entries: 19 # topics: dialysis, kidney disease, nephrology, CKD, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, kidney transplant, proteinuria, pediatric nephrology, kidney protection, ACE inhibitors, ADPKD ## Children and dialysis: what are the options? > url: https://www.kidneyhealth.com/children-dialysis-options > updated: 2026-05-30 > keywords: pediatric dialysis, children kidney transplant, hemodialysis children, peritoneal dialysis children Children can be treated with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. As in adult patients, more children are begun on hemodialysis than on peritoneal dialysis. Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment in children because children's physical growth is less than normal on dialysis. Three out of four children on dialysis receive a transplant within three years. Transplantation offers the best hope for normal growth and development as well as enabling children to participate in school and athletics. The availability of parents as healthy potential donors makes transplantation a good option. Siblings must be over 18 years of age to donate a kidney. ## Can dialysis patients keep their jobs? > url: https://www.kidneyhealth.com/dialysis-patients-jobs > updated: 2026-05-30 > keywords: working while on dialysis, employment dialysis patients, dialysis work schedule The primary aim of renal replacement therapy is helping patients to continue their lives as before they become sick, but with some modification. Usual adult patients keep their jobs while having dialysis sessions. They can arrange treatment timing with their working hours. Jobs that require physical effort should be replaced with office jobs. ## How does genetics affect kidney disease? > url: https://www.kidneyhealth.com/genetics-kidney-disease > updated: 2026-05-30 > keywords: ADPKD, inherited kidney disease, polycystic kidney disease genetics, autosomal dominant Our parents have a tremendous influence upon our future health. We inherit one copy of each of our genes from each parent. The most common form of inherited kidney disease is autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). In this disease, we only have to inherit one defective gene from either our father or mother. Most, but not all, people who inherit the gene develop some form of renal disease, which can be mild or severe. The gene causes our kidneys to form multiple cysts that increase in number and size over time. ## Can kidney disease be prevented by diet? > url: https://www.kidneyhealth.com/kidney-disease-prevention-diet > updated: 2026-05-30 > keywords: kidney disease diet, low protein diet CKD, renal diet history, salt restriction kidney Special diets for the treatment of kidney disease have been available for many years. Before dialysis and modern medications were available, the only available treatment for kidney disease was a special diet. People with kidney disease were placed on low-protein diets in the hope that the progression of kidney disease would be slowed. In addition, intake of salt, potassium, phosphorus, and fluid was restricted. People on these diets could live longer, but the quality of their life was poor. They often became malnourished. ## How can I protect my kidneys? (Practical steps) > url: https://www.kidneyhealth.com/protect-kidneys-practical-steps > updated: 2026-05-30 > keywords: kidney protection, prevent kidney disease, hydration kidneys, NSAIDs kidney damage, kidney screening - Dehydration prevention: Well hydration by taking enough fluid will help. - Limit sodium (salt) intake. - Regular screening: blood pressure (hypertension), fasting blood sugar (diabetes), urine analysis (proteinuria). - Early diagnosis and management of hypertension, diabetes and glomerulonephritis plays a major role in kidney protection. - Follow instructions on over-the-counter medications, especially NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). ## What is the most common early sign of kidney disease? > url: https://www.kidneyhealth.com/early-sign-kidney-disease > updated: 2026-05-30 > keywords: proteinuria, foamy urine, early kidney disease sign, urine dipstick protein Most common early sign for sick kidney is proteinuria which reflects inability to prevent protein escape from the glomerulus. This can be discovered while voiding (foamy urine). It can also be discovered using a urine dipstick. When there is doubt, further urine tests are done. ## What age is suitable for dialysis? > url: https://www.kidneyhealth.com/age-suitable-dialysis > updated: 2026-05-30 > keywords: dialysis age limit, pediatric dialysis, elderly dialysis, dialysis candidacy Patients can be dialyzed at any age — there is no specific age for treatment. The most important requirement for patients considering dialysis at any age is a positive mental attitude and the desire to get better. ## What are the signs of sick kidney? > url: https://www.kidneyhealth.com/signs-sick-kidney > updated: 2026-05-30 > keywords: kidney disease symptoms, signs kidney failure, kidney damage warning signs In most cases there is no specific signs for kidney sickness. Most signs that may reflect kidney disease are also signs of other diseases. The key indicators are changes in urine volume, color, and presence of swelling or fatigue. Regular checkups are essential. ## What can damage the kidneys? (Main causes) > url: https://www.kidneyhealth.com/damage-kidneys-main-causes > updated: 2026-05-30 > keywords: kidney damage causes, diabetic nephropathy, hypertensive kidney disease, lupus nephritis, NSAIDs kidney - Uncontrolled diabetes – causes glomerular basement membrane thickening, scarring (sclerosis). - High blood pressure – contributes to glomerular scarring and damage. - Urinary tract infections, certain medications, kidney stones, some cancer treatments. - Diseases like lupus erythematosus and sickle cell anemia. - Prolonged use of NSAIDs and dehydration. ## What do the kidneys do? (Basic function) > url: https://www.kidneyhealth.com/kidneys-basic-function > updated: 2026-05-30 > keywords: kidney function basics, what kidneys do, blood filtration kidneys The kidneys are a pair of fist-sized organs composed of blood vessels, tubules. They filter blood of water, salts, toxins, and medications. On a hot day they reabsorb water and salt to prevent dehydration. After a large meal, they eliminate extra water and salt. Urine travels through ureters to the bladder. ## What happens if the kidney completely shuts down? > url: https://www.kidneyhealth.com/kidney-complete-shutdown > updated: 2026-05-30 > keywords: kidney failure, renal replacement therapy, end stage renal disease, ESRD treatment When kidneys no longer function, Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) is required. Options include: Hemodialysis, Peritoneal dialysis, or Kidney transplant (from living donor or deceased donor). Without RRT, toxins accumulate causing fatal complications. ## What if dialysis is skipped or postponed? > url: https://www.kidneyhealth.com/dialysis-skipped-postponed > updated: 2026-05-30 > keywords: missed dialysis, dialysis compliance, hyperkalemia, fluid overload dialysis Missing a single hemodialysis treatment usually doesn't cause catastrophe if patient adheres to diet & meds. However, missing frequently can lead to: fluid overload (swelling, shortness of breath), high potassium, fatigue, nerve damage (tingling hands/feet), pericarditis, heart strain, gastritis, nausea and bleeding. Hemodialysis 3x/week replaces only 12-15% of normal kidney function, so each session is vital. ## What are the main functions of the kidney? (Detailed) > url: https://www.kidneyhealth.com/main-functions-kidney-detailed > updated: 2026-05-30 > keywords: kidney functions list, electrolyte balance, acid-base balance, waste excretion kidneys - Excrete excess water - Remove waste products (urea, creatinine) - Maintain electrolyte balance (potassium, sodium) - Acid-base balance (bicarb and hydrogen ions) - Eliminate drugs and undesirable substances Kidneys produce urine which is stored in the bladder until voiding. ## What medications can prevent my kidneys from getting worse? > url: https://www.kidneyhealth.com/medications-prevent-kidney-worsening > updated: 2026-05-30 > keywords: ACE inhibitors kidney protection, CKD medication, kidney disease progression, nephroprotection ACE inhibitors (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors) are proven to delay progression of kidney disease. They decrease blood flow to glomeruli, prevent scarring, lower blood pressure, and reduce atherosclerosis risk. They also help prevent heart attacks and manage heart failure. Usually taken once or twice daily. ## What should I know about my kidneys? (Anatomy & facts) > url: https://www.kidneyhealth.com/kidneys-anatomy-facts > updated: 2026-05-30 > keywords: kidney anatomy, nephron function, kidney size and weight, glomerular filtration rate Two kidneys, each fist-sized, located on either side of spine at lowest rib level. Right kidney is slightly smaller/lower due to liver. Each weighs 125-170g in males, 115-155g in females. Kidneys receive up to 25% of heart's output. Each kidney contains ~1 million nephrons (glomerulus + tubule). About 80% of blood plasma enters glomerulus — roughly 180 liters per day filtered, but only ~2 liters become urine; the rest is reabsorbed. ## Which treatment will be best? Hemodialysis, PD, or transplant? > url: https://www.kidneyhealth.com/best-treatment-hemodialysis-pd-transplant > updated: 2026-05-30 > keywords: hemodialysis vs peritoneal dialysis, kidney transplant benefits, choosing dialysis modality Initially most patients do center hemodialysis (3x/week). Peritoneal dialysis (PD) offers flexibility, daily exchanges (4x/day, 7 days/week), continuous toxin removal, easier travel. Kidney transplant is ideal: no dialysis, can come from family or deceased donor, but requires lifelong immunosuppression. Many switch between modalities over time. Patients can change therapy if unhappy with current option. ## Why are the kidneys so important? > url: https://www.kidneyhealth.com/why-kidneys-important > updated: 2026-05-30 > keywords: kidney importance, uremia, kidney as filter, homeostasis kidneys The kidneys work as a hemo-filter to maintain internal environment (blood) suitable for body cells. They discard waste products from anabolism (energy use). When waste accumulates above certain limits, it causes cell malfunction leading to serious complications (uremia, electrolyte disorders, fluid overload). ## Peritoneal dialysis vs hemodialysis: pros & cons? > url: https://www.kidneyhealth.com/peritoneal-dialysis-vs-hemodialysis > updated: 2026-05-30 > keywords: PD vs HD comparison, home dialysis, center hemodialysis, dialysis flexibility Peritoneal dialysis is done 7 days a week, continuous removal of fluid/toxins, allows more flexible diet and travel, no machine needed at home. Hemodialysis typically 3 times a week, done at center or home; requires fluid/potassium restrictions between sessions. PD often gives patients independence, while Hemo is well tolerated and monitored by staff. ## Can kidney transplant happen before dialysis? > url: https://www.kidneyhealth.com/kidney-transplant-before-dialysis > updated: 2026-05-30 > keywords: preemptive kidney transplant, transplant before dialysis, living donor transplant Yes, sometimes a transplant is done before dialysis is needed (preemptive transplant). Most patients receive some form of dialysis while waiting for a kidney. Family members, spouses, friends, or deceased donors can donate. ## What is proteinuria and why does it matter? > url: https://www.kidneyhealth.com/proteinuria-why-matters > updated: 2026-05-30 > keywords: proteinuria definition, urine protein, kidney damage marker, albuminuria Proteinuria means protein leaking into urine — early sign of glomerular damage. It can appear as foamy urine. Detected by dipstick or urine albumin-creatinine ratio. Persistent proteinuria indicates increased risk of kidney disease progression and cardiovascular events.