Factsheets
The following factsheets are available for you to download, free of charge.
For and queries please contact us on the details below:
E-Mail: kidneyhealth@kidneyresearchuk.org
Tel: 08453 00 14 99
If you have trouble downloading the factsheets, you can download the latest version of Adobe PDF viewer here
Flu
For most people, Seasonal Flu and Swine Flu are nasty and only occasionally serious: a short period of chills, aches and pains and then a return to normal health. But some people are at greater risk from the effects of flu.
Healthy eating for kidney patients
Healthy eating should be important in everyone’s life, but sadly not everyone thinks that this is so. It is never too late for anyone to make positive changes that benefit health and well being. The sooner this happens, the stronger the long term benefits will be.
Food Labelling
The decision to introduce nutritional signposting two years ago resulted in a drastic change in the quality of labelling of manufactured food sold by supermarkets in UK and the rest of Europe, is also an important issue for kidney patients, their carers and dieticians.
Kidney disease in the UK today
Kidney diseases can affect people of any age and there are currently believed to be over 37,800 adult patients receiving Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) in the UK.
Glossary
This glossary provides brief explanations of the various technical words and abbreviations which you may come across.
The kidneys - A basic guide
When the kidneys are not working properly, harmful toxins and excess fluids build up in the body, which may cause the symptoms of kidney failure.
Stages of kidney disease
There are various stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In order to determine which stage of CKD a person is at, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of the kidneys are measured.
Consequences of kidney failure - Nephrology
Nephrology is the branch of medicine concerned with kidney disease. In many cases, patients are referred to nephrologists or renal physicians via their GP and this usually means the start of the nephrology, or pre-dialysis, programme.
Consequences of kidney failure - transplant
Kidney transplantation can be an alternative to dialysis and in many cases will be the treatment of choice. Subject to your agreement, you will be assessed for transplantation and, if suitable, your name will be added to the transplant waiting list.
Consequences of kidney failure - dialysis
Dialysis is a mechanical substitute for lost kidney function. When the kidneys fail to work efficiently, renal failure develops and eventually dialysis is required urgently to replace the excretory function of the kidneys and so maintain life.
Consequences of kidney failure
Renal failure occurs when the kidneys fail to function properly. Under normal circumstances, the kidneys work continuously to keep you alive and healthy.
Exercise
The current advice is to aim to build up to moderate exercise for 30 minutes three to five times each week. Although you needn’t stop at 30 minutes if you are comfortable.
Haemodialysis
As a patient approaching kidney failure who will require some form of artificial kidney treatment, it is important that you are gradually introduced to the concept of dialysis.
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)
The principal role of the kidneys is the filtration and removal of waste products and excess fluid from the blood. Dialysis is a way of replacing kidney function in people whose kidneys have failed.
Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD)
Automated Peritoneal Dialysis is sometimes known as Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis (CCPD). It works in the same way as Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD).
Choosing not to start dialysis
For many people with advanced kidney failure, dialysis treatment can greatly improve their quality of life. However, the treatment may be demanding and time-consuming and it is usually necessary to make lasting changes to lifestyle.
Kidney transplantation
if you are diagnosed with failing kidneys before you need dialysis, treatment can sometimes prevent (or certainly delay) their complete failure. But when your kidneys finally stop working effectively, then you will need either dialysis or a transplant.
Living donor transplantation
There must be a powerful reason why you wish to donate, and this is usually because of your concern for your relative, spouse, partner or friend who is in need of a kidney transplant.
Living with one kidney
The kidneys perform many functions that are vital to good health, but it is not unusual to have only one kidney to do the work of two.
Analgesics and kidney disease
Normal doses of some analgesics (including ibrupofen, aspirins and all NSAIDS as well as indomethacin) may worsen kidney function in patients who already have kidney disease.
Over the counter medicines for renal patients
There are an ever increasing number of medicines available without prescription which can be bought in pharmacies, supermarkets and even the local garage. Some of these medicines are unsuitable for people with kidney disease or kidney failure.
Anaemia and kidney disease
Anaemia is a common condition where there are not enough red blood cells, or not enough haemoglobin in the red blood cells to carry the usual amount of oxygen around the body.
Blood in the urine - (Haematuria)
Sometimes blood in the urine can be seen, but at other times it is present in such small quantities that it is not visible to the naked eye. A simple test can detect even tiny amounts of blood; it is a routine test, carried out at many medical examinations.
Bone disease in chronic kidney failure
People with chronic kidney failure sometimes find their bones get weaker and thinner - becoming painful or breaking easily - as a result of a mineral loss.
Protein in urine (Proteinuria)
Along with fats and sugars, proteins form the major building blocks for our bodies. The right amount of protein is important in our diets, for growth and repair.
