Detecting Kidney and Urinary Tract Abnormalities Before Birth
Ultrasound examinations are often done as part of prenatal care. This test allows the doctor to examine babies before they are born. With ultrasound, the doctor can see the baby's internal organs, including the kidneys and urinary bladder. Occasionally, an abnormality is detected in the developing urinary tract. A doctor can then determine whether...
Childhood Infections & Kidney Disease
Many people don’t know it, but common childhood infections can cause kidney damage and kidney failure. This is especially true for children. Two childhood infections to be aware of are 1) strep infections caused by the Streptococcus bacteria, which leads to strep throat and impetigo (a skin infection), and 2) urinary tract infections.
These conditions...
What is kidney failure?
Healthy kidneys do many important jobs.
They keep your whole body in balance. They remove waste products and extra water from your body, help make red blood cells, and help control blood pressure. When you have kidney failure, it means your kidneys are damaged. They cannot do these important jobs well enough. Having kidney failure...
The Heart and Kidney Connection
Your heart and kidneys are two important organs in your body. They work together to keep you healthy. When one is affected, the other is too. In other words, your heart can affect the health of your kidneys, and your kidneys can affect the health of your heart.
What does the heart do?
The heart...
Tips For Your Kidney Check-up
Here are some helpful things to discuss with your doctor at your annual physical.
WHAT TO SAY
Discuss your lifestyle
Tell your doctor about your diet, alcohol and tobacco consumption, physical activity, and medications or supplements you take.
Share your full health history
Speak up about any medical conditions you have and any family history...