New to kidney disease

We explain kidney disease from causes to treatments, we take a look at what it means and what you can do next.

What is kidney disease?

Kidney disease impacts 2 million Australians each year. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with kidney disease, you’re a family member or friend supporting someone experiencing kidney disease, or you’re simply researching kidney disease risks, we take a look at what kidney disease means below.

About kidney disease

Your kidneys are a vital part of your body. The kidney’s main task is to clean your blood and filter waste out through your urine. When your kidneys aren't functioning as they should, waste gradually builds up in your body, and this can have a devastating impact on your health. This condition is called kidney disease - the loss of normal kidney function over time. It can also be called kidney failure, which is the end-stage of kidney disease.

‘Acute kidney disease’ is where the kidneys recover normal function within three months. ‘Chronic kidney disease’ is where there is a loss of healthy kidney function for more than three months.

Chronic kidney disease is the most common form of kidney disease. There are five recognised stages. Stage 1 is the mildest form and often hard to detect with no obvious signs. It gradually progresses through to kidney failure in later stages.

Kidney disease is not reversible, but it is treatable if caught early. The treatment you are given depends on what type of kidney disease you have, as well as what stage of kidney disease you are at.

In early stages, you will be encouraged to eat a healthy diet, be active, stop smoking, reduce your alcohol intake and keep you blood pressure and blood glucose levels below the targets your doctor has set for you. Your doctor may also prescribe tablets to help control your blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.

In later stages, you have three treatment options:

You can elect to have a kidney transplant
You can start regular kidney replacement therapy – also known as kidney dialysis
You may choose conservative management and supportive care.

Kidney function has an enormous impact on your ability to survive. But with effective management, you can slow the progression of kidney disease and reduce potential complications – meaning it is possible to live a fulfilled life even if you have the disease.

Am I at risk of kidney disease?

If you’re unsure whether you’re at risk of kidney disease, you can take the 2-min online Kidney Risk Test.

I'm at risk, what do I do now?

If you are one of the 3 in 4 Aussies at risk of kidney disease we recommend you go to your GP to do a Kidney Health Check. This includes a blood test, urine test, and blood pressure check.

I've been diagnosed with Chronic kidney Disease. What do I do now?

If you have just been recently diagnosed with kidney disease, you are not alone. It’s valuable to familiarise yourself with:

ways to keep your kidneys healthy, including special diets and recipes
treatment options to aid discussions with your healthcare professionals
services available to you, including a Kidney Buddy program and private Facebook groups for peer-support

You'll find a lot of valuable information through the booklets, factsheets, and webpages available on this website.

You may also wish to reach out to us for support on the Kidney Helpine, freecall 1800 454 363.