FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions to Doctor

Q1: What is dialysis and when is it needed?
Dialysis is a treatment that takes over kidney function when they fail. It’s needed when waste and fluids build up in your body due to advanced kidney failure.

Q2: What are the types of dialysis available?
At our center, we offer:

Hemodialysis (using a machine to clean blood)

Peritoneal Dialysis (using your abdomen lining to filter blood)

CRRT (for critically ill ICU patients)

Q3: How often will I need dialysis?
This depends on your condition. Typically, hemodialysis is done 2–3 times per week. Your doctor will create a schedule suited to your needs.

Q4: Can I live a normal life on dialysis?
Many patients continue working and living fulfilling lives on dialysis with proper management and support.

Q1: Why is a kidney biopsy done?
A biopsy helps diagnose the cause of kidney problems by examining a small tissue sample. It guides accurate treatment decisions.

Q2: Is a kidney biopsy safe?
Yes. It is a safe, minimally invasive procedure done under local anesthesia. Most patients go home the same day.

Q1: Who can get a kidney transplant?
Patients with end-stage kidney disease who are otherwise healthy may qualify for a transplant. You’ll need thorough testing and evaluation first.

Q2: What is the difference between living and deceased donor transplants?

Living donor: A kidney from a healthy person (usually a relative)

Deceased donor: A kidney from a person who has passed away and donated their organs

Q3: How long is the recovery after a transplant?
Recovery usually takes a few weeks. With proper care, many patients return to normal life and feel much better than they did on dialysis.

Q4: Will I need lifelong medication after a transplant?
Yes. Anti-rejection medications are essential to keep your body from rejecting the new kidney.

Q1: How does high blood pressure affect the kidneys?
Uncontrolled hypertension can damage the small blood vessels in your kidneys, leading to chronic kidney disease over time.

Q2: Can kidney disease cause high blood pressure?
Yes. Damaged kidneys may not regulate blood pressure effectively, leading to secondary hypertension.

Q3: How can I manage my blood pressure to protect my kidneys?

Regular monitoring

Low-salt diet

Medications

Avoiding tobacco and alcohol

Routine check-ups with your nephrologist

Q1: How does diabetes damage the kidneys?
High blood sugar damages the kidney’s filtering units (nephrons), leading to a condition called diabetic nephropathy.

Q2: What are the warning signs of diabetic kidney disease?

Protein in urine

Swelling in feet/ankles

Rising blood pressure

Fatigue

Q3: How can I protect my kidneys if I have diabetes?

Keep your blood sugar in target range

Control blood pressure

Eat a kidney-friendly diet

Regular checkups with urine and blood tests

Q1: What is critical care nephrology?
It’s specialized kidney care for critically ill patients, especially those in ICUs with multi-organ failure, sepsis, or acute kidney injury.

Q2: What is CRRT and when is it used?
CRRT (Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy) is a slow, continuous dialysis used in ICU patients who are too unstable for regular dialysis.

Q1: Do you treat kidney stones or urinary blockages?
Yes, we work closely with urology specialists to manage conditions like kidney stones, enlarged prostate, and urinary obstructions.

Q2: Can kidney stones cause long-term damage?
Yes, if untreated, they can lead to infections or kidney damage. Early diagnosis and treatment are key.
“When Should I See a Nephrologist?”

You should consult a nephrologist if you experience:

Persistent swelling in legs or face

High blood pressure that’s hard to control

Foamy or discolored urine

Family history of kidney disease

Abnormal blood or urine test results

Already diagnosed with CKD, diabetes, or hypertension

Q1: What is Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)?
A: PKD is a genetic disorder where many fluid-filled cysts grow in the kidneys, causing them to enlarge and lose function over time.

Q2: Is PKD hereditary?
A: Yes. Most cases are inherited from one or both parents. If you have a family history, screening is recommended.

Q3: What are the symptoms of PKD?

High blood pressure

Pain in the sides or back

Blood in urine

Kidney stones

Gradual loss of kidney function

Q4: Can PKD be cured?
A: There’s no cure, but early diagnosis and careful management can slow disease progression.

Q1: How does diabetes affect the kidneys?
A: High blood sugar damages tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to a condition called diabetic nephropathy — a major cause of kidney failure.

Q2: What are the types of diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes: Usually starts in childhood; requires insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes: More common in adults; may be managed with diet, tablets, or insulin.

Gestational Diabetes: Occurs during pregnancy.

Q3: What are signs of diabetic kidney damage?

Protein in urine

Swelling (especially feet and ankles)

Fatigue

High blood pressure

Q4: How can I protect my kidneys if I have diabetes?

Control blood sugar and blood pressure

Eat a healthy, low-salt diet

Avoid painkillers unless prescribed

Regular kidney function tests

Q1: What causes kidney stones?
A: They form when minerals and salts (like calcium or uric acid) build up in the urine and stick together.

Q2: What are symptoms of kidney stones?

Sharp pain in the back or sides

Burning during urination

Blood in urine

Nausea or vomiting

Q3: How are kidney stones treated?
Small stones may pass with fluids and pain relief. Larger stones may need procedures like lithotripsy (shockwave), stents, or surgery.

Q4: Can I prevent kidney stones?
Yes. Drink plenty of water, reduce salt intake, and avoid excessive protein or oxalate-rich foods (like spinach, tea, chocolate).

Q1: What is a UTI?
A: A UTI is an infection in any part of the urinary system — kidneys, bladder, or urethra — usually caused by bacteria.

Q2: What are the symptoms?

Burning while urinating

Frequent urge to urinate

Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Lower abdominal pain

Fever (if the infection spreads to kidneys)

Q3: Who is at higher risk?

Women

People with diabetes

Those with kidney stones or urinary blockages

Q4: How is UTI treated?
With antibiotics. Drinking lots of water and following good hygiene helps prevent recurrence.

Q1: What is edema?
A: Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissues, often seen in feet, legs, or around the eyes.

Q2: What causes edema in kidney patients?
When kidneys aren’t working properly, they can’t remove enough salt and water, leading to fluid buildup.

Q3: How is edema managed?

Controlling salt and fluid intake

Diuretics (water tablets)

Treating the underlying kidney problem

Q4: Is edema always related to kidney disease?
No. It can also be due to heart, liver, or vein problems. Evaluation is needed to find the cause.

Q1: What are genetic kidney diseases?
These are kidney conditions passed down in families due to inherited gene mutations — such as PKD, Alport syndrome, or Fabry disease.

Q2: When should I get tested?
If you have a family history of kidney disease, early screening (blood, urine, ultrasound, or genetic testing) can help detect issues early.

Q3: Can genetic kidney diseases be treated?
While many are not curable, regular monitoring, lifestyle changes, and targeted treatments can help delay kidney failure.

Q1: What is SCUF?
A: SCUF is a type of gentle dialysis used in critically ill patients to remove excess fluid slowly and safely, especially in ICUs.

Q2: How is it different from regular dialysis?
Unlike traditional dialysis, SCUF is continuous and slower — better tolerated by patients with low blood pressure or unstable conditions.

Q3: Who needs SCUF?
It’s used in ICU patients with:

Acute kidney injury

Severe fluid overload

Heart or liver failure

Q4: Is SCUF permanent?
No. It’s typically a short-term support until the patient stabilizes or kidney function improves.

Q1: When is a kidney transplant recommended?
A: When kidneys stop working (end-stage renal disease), and dialysis isn’t ideal long-term, a transplant may be the best option.

Q2: Who can donate a kidney?

Living donors (family or close relatives)

Deceased donors (through organ donation system)

Q3: What is the transplant process?

Evaluation and matching

Surgery

Recovery and lifelong follow-up

Q4: How long does a kidney transplant last?
Transplanted kidneys can last 10–20+ years with good care and medication compliance.

Q5: Will I need medication after transplant?
Yes. You must take immunosuppressive (anti-rejection) medications every day for life.

Q6: Is a transplant better than dialysis?
In most cases, yes. Transplant patients often enjoy a better quality of life, energy, and freedom compared to dialysis.

Healthy Kidney Tips:

Drink enough water

Limit salt and processed food

Manage blood pressure and diabetes

Avoid self-medication with painkillers

Get regular health check-ups

Kidney diseases refer to conditions that impair the function of the kidneys, which are responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood. These conditions may affect one or both kidneys and can lead to kidney failure if left untreated. Common kidney diseases include chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney stones, glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), and acute kidney injury (AKI).

The most common causes of kidney disease include:

Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage kidney blood vessels over time.
High blood pressure (Hypertension): Increased blood pressure can damage kidney tissues.
Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): A genetic disorder that causes cysts to form in the kidneys.
Kidney Stones: Hard deposits that form in the kidneys and can obstruct the urinary tract.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Frequent or untreated infections can affect kidney health.
Autoimmune Disorders: Diseases like lupus can cause kidney inflammation.

Symptoms of kidney disease may vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. Common symptoms include:

Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet.
Fatigue or weakness.
Decreased urine output.
Dark, foamy, or blood-tinged urine.
Shortness of breath.
Nausea or vomiting.
Pain or discomfort in the back or sides (flank pain).
High blood pressure.

In the early stages, kidney disease may not cause noticeable symptoms, which is why regular check-ups are important.

Kidney disease is typically diagnosed using a combination of the following:

Blood Tests: To check kidney function, including tests for serum creatinine, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN).
Urine Tests: To detect proteins, blood, or other abnormalities in the urine.
Imaging Tests: Such as ultrasound or CT scans to visualize kidney structure and identify issues like kidney stones or cysts.
Kidney Biopsy: In some cases, a small tissue sample from the kidney may be taken to examine it for signs of damage or disease.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. Over time, CKD can lead to kidney failure, where the kidneys can no longer function adequately. Common causes of CKD include diabetes, high blood pressure, and glomerulonephritis. Early detection and treatment can help slow its progression.

CKD is classified into five stages based on the level of kidney function:

Stage 1: Mild kidney damage with normal GFR (90+ mL/min).
Stage 2: Mild reduction in kidney function (60–89 mL/min).
Stage 3: Moderate kidney damage (30–59 mL/min).
Stage 4: Severe reduction in kidney function (15–29 mL/min).
Stage 5: Kidney failure (GFR <15 mL/min), requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Dialysis is a treatment that helps perform the functions of the kidneys when they are no longer able to do so effectively. There are two types of dialysis:

Hemodialysis: Blood is filtered outside the body through a machine.
Peritoneal Dialysis: The lining of the abdomen is used to filter waste from the blood, with a special fluid that is introduced and drained.

Dialysis is typically used in advanced stages of kidney failure (Stage 5 CKD) when the kidneys cannot filter waste on their own.

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure where a healthy kidney from a donor is placed into the body of a person with kidney failure. The transplanted kidney takes over the function of the damaged kidneys. Transplants can come from living or deceased donors, and patients must take immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection of the new kidney.

To prevent kidney disease or reduce the risk of complications, consider the following:

Control blood sugar: If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar levels under control.
Monitor blood pressure: Keep your blood pressure within the healthy range (typically below 120/80 mmHg).
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support kidney function.
Avoid excessive use of over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen can damage the kidneys if used long-term.
Eat a healthy diet: Focus on a balanced diet low in salt, processed foods, and high-fat foods.
Regular exercise: Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can help reduce the risk of kidney disease.

Diet plays a crucial role in managing kidney disease. Depending on the stage and type of kidney disease, dietary recommendations may include:

Reducing sodium to manage high blood pressure.
Limiting protein intake to reduce the workload on the kidneys.
Controlling potassium and phosphorus levels to prevent imbalances.
Managing fluid intake to prevent swelling in cases of kidney failure.

Consult with a dietitian specializing in kidney health to create a meal plan tailored to your needs.

Currently, there is no cure for chronic kidney disease, but it can be managed with proper treatment. Early-stage kidney disease can often be controlled through medication, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring. In cases of kidney failure, treatment options such as dialysis or a kidney transplant are available.

Some kidney diseases, like Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), are inherited and passed down through families. If you have a family history of kidney disease, it’s important to discuss your risk with a healthcare provider and undergo regular kidney function tests.

Yes, untreated kidney disease can lead to various complications, including:

Heart disease
High blood pressure
Anemia (low red blood cell count)
Bone disease
Electrolyte imbalances

Managing kidney disease early can reduce the risk of these complications.

Your doctor may prescribe medications to manage the underlying causes of kidney disease, such as:

Blood pressure medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs) to protect the kidneys.
Diuretics to help control fluid buildup.
Phosphate binders to control phosphorus levels.
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to treat anemia caused by kidney disease.

Always follow your Nephrologist's recommendations and attend regular check-ups.