The Rogosin Institute

General Kidney Disease

What are some symptoms of kidney disease?
Is kidney disease hereditary?
Can diabetes cause kidney disease?
If I have kidney disease, will I have to have a kidney transplant?

What are some symptoms of kidney disease?

Patients with kidney disease may have no symptoms. Alternatively, a sign of kidney disease may be high blood pressure. Patients with kidney disease, may feel tired, may lose their appetite and in fact have periods of nausea and vomiting, especially after meals. They may notice leg swelling.
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Is kidney disease hereditary?

Some forms of kidney disease are inherited. Polycystic kidney disease is the most common form of inherited kidney disease.
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Can diabetes cause kidney disease?

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease and the reason most people require dialysis and kidney transplantation.

In order to maintain good health, recipients may require medications for high blood pressure and an elevated cholesterol.  Diabetes medications will need to be continued.  They may also be asked to take a multivitamin, vitamin D preparations, a calcium supplement and other medications to prevent osteoporosis.
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If I have kidney disease, will I have to have a kidney transplant?

Not everyone with kidney disease will require a kidney transplant. People can live a normal life with decreased kidney function, including going to work, attending school and having a family. In all these cases, medical follow-up and management is extremely important.
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