kidney after diagnosis
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
After a kidney disease diagnosis, you may need to adjust your daily routine, take steps to protect your kidneys, and work with a healthcare team to manage the condition. This article explains what you can expect and how to take care of yourself.
Key facts
- Your kidneys filter waste and extra fluid from your blood.
- Early kidney disease often has no symptoms, so routine check-ups are important.
- Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes.
- Treatment focuses on slowing damage and managing underlying conditions.
Kidney disease is quite common, especially in older adults and people with diabetes or high blood pressure.
It can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in adults over 60, people from certain ethnic backgrounds, and those with a family history of kidney problems.
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Confusion, severe drowsiness, or difficulty waking
- Passing no urine for several hours
- Seizures
- ⚠High fever with back pain or burning when urinating
- ⚠Sudden, much worse swelling in your face, hands, or feet
- ⚠Blood in your urine
- ⚠Feeling very unwell or unable to keep down fluids
Common symptoms
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Swelling in your ankles, feet, or hands
- Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
- Changes in urine – foamy, dark, or blood in it
- Poor appetite or feeling sick
- Trouble sleeping or muscle cramps at night
- Itchy, dry skin
Symptoms in children
- Poor growth or weight gain
- Bedwetting or needing to urinate more often
- Lack of energy or being unusually tired
- Swelling around the eyes or ankles
- Poor appetite or nausea
- Pale skin or low iron levels
Symptoms in older adults
- Confusion or feeling generally unwell
- Changes in urination – more or less than usual
- Swelling in hands, feet, or legs
- Fatigue or weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
Causes
Main causes
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Inflammation of the kidneys (glomerulonephritis)
- Polycystic kidney disease (an inherited condition)
- Repeated urine infections
- Blocked urine flow, such as from an enlarged prostate
Risk factors
- Older age
- Family history of kidney disease
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- Long-term use of certain painkillers
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- If you notice new or worsening symptoms like blood in your urine, severe swelling, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor the same day.
- Also see a doctor the same day if you develop a fever with back pain or burning when urinating.
Book a routine appointment if:
- If you have been diagnosed with kidney disease, you will have regular check-ups to monitor your kidney function and adjust treatment.
- Make sure to attend all scheduled appointments, even if you feel well.
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will likely use blood and urine tests to check how well your kidneys are filtering waste. Imaging tests may also be used to look at the size and structure of your kidneys.
Tests that may be done
- Blood test for creatinine and eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate)
- Urine test for protein or blood
- Ultrasound scan of your kidneys
- Blood pressure measurement
- Sometimes a kidney biopsy – taking a tiny sample of kidney tissue
What to expect at your appointment
Most tests are simple and painless. A kidney biopsy is done with a local anaesthetic while you are awake, and is usually only needed if the cause of kidney disease is unclear.
Treatment
Treatment for kidney disease focuses on slowing the loss of kidney function, managing underlying causes, and preventing complications. Your care team will work with you to create a plan that suits your individual needs.
Self-care at home
- Take any prescribed medicines exactly as directed.
- Keep your blood sugar and blood pressure within the target ranges you and your doctor agree on.
- Limit salt in your diet to help control blood pressure and reduce swelling.
- Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers (such as ibuprofen) unless a doctor says they are safe for you.
- Stop smoking if you smoke.
- Attend all regular check-ups and blood tests.
Medical treatments
Depending on how advanced your kidney disease is, doctors may prescribe medicines to control blood pressure, lower blood sugar, reduce protein in urine, or manage other complications. Some people need iron or vitamin supplements. In later stages, treatment may include dialysis – a machine that filters the blood – or a kidney transplant. Always talk to your healthcare provider about which options are right for you.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is most commonly considered when a kidney transplant is needed. This is usually only discussed after kidney failure has reached an advanced stage, and you will have plenty of time to consider the option with your care team.
Living with this condition
Living with kidney disease often involves regular appointments, taking medicines daily, and being mindful of what you eat and drink. It may help to keep a symptom diary and bring a list of questions to your appointments.
Lifestyle tips
- Stay as active as you can – even light activity helps.
- Eat a balanced diet low in salt.
- Stay well hydrated, but follow any fluid limits advised by your doctor.
- Get enough sleep and manage stress.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
Diet and exercise
A dietitian can help you plan meals that protect your kidneys, which may mean adjusting your intake of protein, potassium, and phosphorus. Gentle exercise like walking or swimming can help with energy and blood pressure, but check with your doctor before starting a new exercise programme.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Being diagnosed with a long-term condition can be worrying and sometimes overwhelming. It is normal to feel anxious, low, or uncertain. If you are struggling, talk to your care team. You deserve support for your emotional health as well as your physical health. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out to a crisis helpline or your local emergency services immediately.
Prevention
You cannot always prevent kidney disease, especially if it is due to genetics or family history, but you can slow its progression by managing blood pressure and blood sugar, eating well, staying active, and avoiding smoking.
Vaccines
People with kidney disease may be advised to have vaccinations, including flu and COVID-19. Ask your local health service which vaccines are recommended for you.
Screening programmes
If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, you should be offered regular kidney function tests to catch problems early.
Complications
If left untreated
- Worsening kidney function leading to kidney failure
- High blood pressure that becomes harder to control
- Anaemia (low red blood cells causing tiredness)
- Weak bones and higher risk of fractures
- Fluid build-up causing swelling and breathlessness
- Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes
Long-term outlook
The course of kidney disease varies from person to person. Many people with kidney disease live full, active lives for many years. With careful management, you can slow the progression, and if kidney failure ever occurs, treatments like dialysis and transplant can help you continue living well.
Find support
International organisations
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
Related conditions
Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 31, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.