1. Can I catch kidney disease from someone who has it?

No. Kidney disease is not contagious. You cannot catch it from someone. Most kidney disease is caused by diabetes, high blood pressure and conditions that can run in families. If you are a family member of someone who has diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease, it is a good idea to ask your doctor to check your blood pressure and kidney function at your checkup.

2. What are kidney stones?

A kidney stone occurs when substances in the urine form crystals. Kidney stones can be large or small. Large ones can damage the kidneys; small ones may be able to pass in the urine. Because crystals have sharp edges, passing even small stones can be very painful. Treatment depends on what the stones are made of.

3. I have a family member with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Should I be tested?

Since 60-70% of people with PKD have a family member with PKD, asking your doctor about being tested seems like a good idea. The first test used for PKD is an ultrasound to look at the kidneys and see if there are cysts. No contrast dye is needed, so this is a non-invasive test.

4. If I have signs of kidney disease, what should I do?

After you have basic screening tests done, if you have signs of kidney disease, you should ask for a referral to a nephrologist, a specialist in treating kidney disease. A nephrologist will perform an evaluation then suggest medications or lifestyle changes to help slow the progression of kidney disease.

5. I just found out I have kidney failure. Does this mean I am going to die?

No. Dialysis or a kidney transplant can keep you alive when your kidneys fail. The more you learn and take part in your treatment, the better you can feel. Some people live for decades with kidney failure.

6. What is PTH?

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is produced by several small, bean-like parathyroid glands in your neck. Its job is to tell your bones to release calcium into your bloodstream. Too much PTH can become a problem in people with kidney disease.
Healthy kidneys convert a hormone called calcitriol to its active form of vitamin D. Calcitriol lets your body absorb calcium from food you eat. When your kidneys are not working well, they start to make less calcitriol-so even if you eat calcium, your body cant absorb it. PTH kicks in to make sure you always have enough calcium in your blood. Over time, this can weaken your bones.
A blood test can show if your PTH levels are above normal. If they are, your doctor may prescribe a form of active vitamin D.