kidney and family life

Overview

Kidney disease is a long-term condition in which the kidneys slowly lose their ability to filter waste and extra fluid from the blood. This article explains how kidney disease can affect family life and offers practical ways to cope and support each other.

Kidney disease is more common than many people realize. In the UK, around 1 in 10 adults have some evidence of chronic kidney disease, though most are in the early stages.

Kidney disease can affect anyone, but it is more common in older adults, people with diabetes or high blood pressure, and people with a family history of kidney disease. When one family member has kidney disease, the whole family may feel the impact.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling tired and weak
• Swelling in the feet, ankles, or hands
• Changes in how much you urinate, especially at night
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of appetite or nausea
• Difficulty concentrating

Symptoms in children

• Slower growth than expected
• Poor appetite or weight gain from swelling
• Frequent urination or wetting the bed
• Feeling very thirsty
• Vomiting or diarrhea

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or memory problems
• Swelling in the legs
• Fatigue that affects daily activities
• Loss of interest in food
• Itchy skin
• More falls due to weakness

Causes

Main causes

• Diabetes (high blood sugar damages the kidneys over time)
• High blood pressure (damages the small blood vessels in the kidneys)
• Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney filters)
• Polycystic kidney disease (a genetic condition with cysts on the kidneys)
• Long-term use of certain pain medicines, when used in high doses over a long time

Risk factors

• Having diabetes
• Having high blood pressure
• Being over 60 years old
• Having a family history of kidney disease
• Heart disease
• Being of African, African-Caribbean, or South Asian origin
• Smoking or being very overweight

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you or a family member has chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, or sudden confusion, call your local emergency number immediately.
• Call your doctor or local health service the same day if you have fever, blood in your urine, or sudden swelling.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other risk factors, ask your doctor about regular kidney function blood and urine tests.
• If you notice any changes in your health, such as feeling more tired or swollen, make an appointment with your doctor.

Diagnosis

Kidney disease is usually diagnosed with a simple blood test that checks the level of waste products in your blood (called eGFR), and a urine test that looks for a protein called albumin. Your doctor may also use an ultrasound scan to look at the size and shape of your kidneys.

Tests that may be done

• Blood test (eGFR)
• Urine test (albumin-to-creatinine ratio)
• Ultrasound scan of your kidneys
• Sometimes a kidney biopsy (a tiny sample of kidney tissue)

What to expect at your appointment

The tests are quick and painless. You may be asked to come back for repeat tests over time to see if your kidneys are getting worse or staying stable. Your doctor will talk to you about the results and what they mean for your treatment and daily life.

Treatment

There is no cure for chronic kidney disease, but treatment can slow it down, manage symptoms, and help you live well. The right treatment depends on the stage of the disease and your overall health.

Self-care at home

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed (including blood pressure and diabetes medicines)
• Keep blood sugar and blood pressure within the targets set by your doctor
• Stop smoking and limit alcohol
• Get support from a dietitian to plan kidney-friendly meals
• Stay active with safe, everyday activities like walking

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe medicines to control blood pressure, lower blood sugar, or reduce the amount of protein leaking into urine. No matter which medicine you take, it is important to take it as directed and talk to your doctor about any concerns. As kidney disease progresses, you may need dialysis (a treatment that cleans your blood using a machine) or a kidney transplant.

When is surgery considered?

If your kidneys fail completely, you may need a kidney transplant. This is a surgery to place a healthy kidney from a donor into your body. Not everyone is able to have a transplant, but your kidney doctor (nephrologist) will help you understand if it is an option for you.

Living with this condition

Living with kidney disease can feel overwhelming, but taking it one day at a time helps. Try to keep a regular routine, manage your stress, and stay connected with your family and friends. It is okay to ask for help with daily tasks when you need it.

Lifestyle tips

• Follow a kidney-friendly diet as recommended by a dietitian
• Get regular, gentle exercise like walking or swimming
• Stay well-hydrated, but follow fluid limits if your doctor sets them
• Plan ahead for dialysis or clinic appointments so your family can help
• Join a support group to meet others who understand

Diet and exercise

Your doctor or dietitian may recommend changes to your diet to protect your kidneys. This might mean eating less salt, potassium, and phosphorus. Exercise is helpful – aim for 20 to 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days, as you are able.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with kidney disease can be stressful for both you and your family. You might feel anxious, sad, or worried about the future. These feelings are normal. Talk openly with your family, and consider seeing a counsellor or psychologist if the feelings become heavy.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent kidney disease, but you can greatly lower your risk by keeping your blood pressure and blood sugar in a healthy range, eating a balanced diet, exercising, not smoking, and limiting salt and alcohol.

Vaccines

Keeping up to date with vaccines, such as flu and COVID-19 shots, is important for everyone, especially people with kidney disease, because they are more at risk of infections.

Screening programmes

People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease should ask their doctor about regular kidney function tests, even if they feel well. Early detection can make a big difference.

Complications

If left untreated

• Kidney failure that requires dialysis or a transplant
• Heart disease and stroke
• Anemia (low red blood cells causing tiredness)
• Weak bones and fractures
• High potassium levels, which can affect heart rhythm
• Fluid buildup in the lungs or legs

Long-term outlook

The outlook for kidney disease is much better now than in the past. Many people live many years with kidney disease, especially when it is found early. Even if you need dialysis or a transplant, you can still have a meaningful and active family life. Your healthcare team will work with you every step of the way.

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