Kidney Cysts: When Are They Harmless and When Do They Need Attention?
Most kidney cysts are simple cysts: small, fluid-filled sacs that become common as people get older, rarely cause symptoms and are almost always harmless. A smaller number look more complicated on a scan and need follow-up imaging or treatment, because some can be or become cancer. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a different, inherited condition […]
The Hidden Damage: How Diabetes Quietly Harms Your Kidneys
Nearly 85% of chronic kidney disease cases in people with diabetes are caused by diabetic kidney disease (DKD), making diabetes the leading cause of kidney failure nationwide. But according to ANC’s Dr. Maryyam Ali, who specializes in diabetic kidney disease, the most surprising part isn’t how common DKD is, it’s how early it starts, often […]
What Is Glomerulonephritis? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Glomerulonephritis means the glomeruli, the tiny filters in your kidneys that clean your blood, are inflamed. It can start suddenly or develop slowly over years, and it often causes no symptoms until a urine or blood test picks it up. Some forms clear up once the cause is treated, while others need long-term care to […]
Swollen Legs, Ankles, or Eyes: When Is It a Kidney Problem?
Swollen legs, ankles or puffy eyes can be a sign of a kidney problem, because kidneys that are not working well may hold on to extra fluid and salt or leak protein into the urine. Many other things cause swelling too, from long hours on your feet to heart disease or a new medicine. Clues […]
Acute Kidney Injury vs. Chronic Kidney Disease: What’s the Difference?
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden drop in kidney function that happens over hours to days, usually during another illness. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is kidney damage or reduced function that lasts 3 months or more and tends to develop slowly. AKI often gets better with prompt treatment, while CKD is managed to slow […]
Are Pain Relievers Safe for Your Kidneys? What to Know About NSAIDs
Some common pain relievers can harm the kidneys. The main concern is a group called NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, and the risk is highest at higher doses, with long-term use, and in people whose kidneys are already under strain. If you have kidney disease, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any […]
How Diabetes Affects Your Kidneys, and How to Protect Them
Diabetes can damage your kidneys slowly, over many years, by harming the tiny blood vessels that filter your blood. This is called diabetic kidney disease, and it usually causes no symptoms at first. A yearly urine test and blood test can find it early, when reaching your blood sugar and blood pressure goals does the […]
Your First Nephrology Appointment: What to Expect and What to Ask
At your first nephrology appointment, a kidney specialist usually reviews your health history, medicines and recent test results, examines you, and may order blood, urine or imaging tests. The aim is to understand what is going on with your kidneys and agree on next steps. A little preparation, such as gathering lab reports and writing […]
Blood in Urine: What It Can Mean and When to See a Doctor
Blood in your urine, called hematuria, has many possible causes, and many of them are not serious, such as a urinary tract infection, a kidney stone or hard exercise. It can also be a sign of kidney disease or, less often, cancer of the bladder or kidney. That is why blood in your urine should […]
When Should You Get a Second Opinion From Another Nephrologist?
Wondering whether to seek a second opinion about your kidney care is a common, completely reasonable question, and it doesn’t have to feel like an act of disloyalty to your current doctor. A second opinion is a normal part of managing your own health, especially with a condition as long-term as kidney disease. Key Takeaways […]