Health Professionals
Your Kidneys A – Z
If you’ve ever wondered about a word, term or acronym used in a discussion about kidneys, you should find the meaning here in our glossary of terms.
Kidney Health Australia is a trusted source of information related to kidney disease. If you’ve ever wondered about a word, term or acronym used in a discussion about kidneys, you should find meanings for common ones below.
Disclaimer: This glossary is not meant to be a substitute for advice from a health professional. Please note that we recognise each person's experience is individual and variations do occur in treatment and management due to personal circumstances, the health professional and the state one lives in. Should you require further information always consult your health professional.
Glossary
Abdomen: The part of the body that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder and other organs.
ABO incompatible transplant: A type of transplant where your donor’s blood type and your blood type are not compatible. With this type of transplant you receive medical treatment before and after your kidney transplant to lower antibody levels in your blood and reduce the risk of antibodies rejecting the donor kidney.
Accredited practising dietitian: Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) have the qualifications and skills to provide expert nutrition and dietary advice. A person who is professionally qualified to give practical diet and nutrition advice.
ACE inhibitors: A common medication prescribed by doctors to manage blood pressure
Acute kidney injury: A loss of kidney function that happens quickly which may or may not be permanent.
Acute rejection: Where your body quickly begins to reject your transplanted kidney in the first few weeks after your transplant.
Albumin: A protein in your blood that helps to maintain blood volume and blood pressure.
Albuminuria: Occurs when albumin is present in the urine. There are filters in the kidneys that prevent large molecules, such as albumin, from passing through. If these filters are damaged, albumin passes from the blood into the urine.
Albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR): A test used to see how much albumin leaks into your urine when your kidneys are damaged. A urine ACR is a part of a kidney health check. See Albuminuria, Creatinine, Microalbuminuria, Macroalbuminuria.
Alport’s Syndrome: A genetic kidney disease which affects your kidneys, hearing and eyesight.
Altruistic donation: Where someone anonymously donates a kidney to a recipient on the transplant waiting list.
Anaemia: When there are only a small number of red blood cells in your blood or your blood cells are not working properly. Red blood cells carry oxygen, so if you have anaemia you can feel weak, tired and short of breath.
Angiotensin: A hormone produced by the kidneys which works to control blood pressure.
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs): A common medication prescribed by doctors to control blood pressure
Antibiotics: A medication used to treat and prevent a variety of bacterial infections and disease.
Antibodies: Made by the immune system, your body’s protection mechanism, to attack tissue that is not normally part of the body, for example bacteria or toxins or a donated kidney.
Antibody: A protein molecule made by your immune system to attack tissue that is not normally part of your body (e.g. viruses and bacteria).
Antidepressant: Medications that are prescribed by doctors that are used to treat depression.
Antigen: A protein that activates the immune system including your white blood cells which fight infections and foreign bodies.
Anti-rejection medications: Medication to control your immune system that is needed for as long as your transplanted kidney functions, to reduce the risk of your body rejecting your new kidney.
Artificial ventilation: Where a special machine called a ventilator is used to allow you to breathe.
Audiologist: A medical doctor who specialises in hearing loss.
Autoimmune: An autoimmune disorder occurs when a person's immune system mistakenly attacks their own body tissues.
Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD): A type of dialysis where a special fluid is put into the peritoneal cavity (abdomen) through a soft, plastic tube (catheter) then drained out of the body continuously for a few hours by a machine called a cycler, usually at night.
Artery: A blood vessel taking blood from the heart to other parts of the body.
B12: An essential vitamin found in animal products that helps with red blood cell production and nerve function. A Shortage of this vitamin in the diet can lead to anaemia.
Bacteria: Tiny cells (germs) that can be found in and outside of the body. The bad bacteria in the body can lead to illness, infections and disease.
Benign: A growth that is not cancerous. This means that it does not spread to other parts of the body.
Bicarbonate: A soluble mineral salt or mixture of salts that can neutralise acids.
Biopsy: A small piece of tissue is removed for testing and examination under a microscope.
Bladder: A muscular, elastic sac inside the body that stores the urine (wee).
Blood group: The red blood cell groups (O, B, A or AB) that determine the compatibility for blood transfusion, and are part of the process for determining compatibility for kidney donation.
Blood pressure: The pressure of the blood in the arteries as it is pumped around the body by the heart.
Blood typing: Finding which kind of antigens are on the surface of your red blood cells.
Blood Vessels: The tubes that carries your blood through your organs and body tissues.
Body Mass Index (BMI): An approximate measure of your total body fat. It is worked out by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared (m2).
Bone marrow: The tissue inside your bones that helps produce blood cells.
Buttonhole cannulation technique: With this technique the dialysis needles are placed into the exact same holes on your fistula every time you have haemodialysis. Inserting the needles in the same holes creates a track for the needle – similar to the hole made in an earlobe for a pierced earring.
Calcium: The most common mineral in your body. Calcium is essential for healthy bones and teeth. It is also important for regulating heart function, blood clotting, and muscle functioning, such as contraction and relaxation. Calcium levels are often abnormal in people with kidney disease. Raised calcium levels may cause headaches, nausea, sore eyes, aching teeth, itchy skin, mood changes, and confusion.
Cannulation: Putting in the needles for dialysis.
Carbohydrate: A macronutrient. Carbohydrates are the body’s main energy source and come from mostly grain foods, fruit, vegetables and dairy products. Sugar is also a type of carbohydrate but should be limited from the diet.
Cardiovascular disease: Includes all disease and condition of the heart and blood vessels, such as arteries and veins. The most common conditions include heart attack, heart failure, stroke, blockages in the blood vessels and vascular kidney disease.
Carrier: A person who has a change in one copy of a gene. Every person carries two copies of most genes (one copy from the mother and one from the father). The carrier does not have the genetic disease related to the abnormal gene, but they can pass this abnormal gene to their child.
Catheter: A plastic tube that is used to take fluid in or out of your body (see vascular access catheter).
Central nervous system: Your brain and spinal cord.
Central venous catheter: A special tube that is surgically inserted into your neck, collarbone or top of your leg to allow temporary access for haemodialysis.
Cholesterol: A naturally occurring, waxy substance made by the body. It is an essential building block of cell membranes, hormones and vitamin D. See HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD): A progressive reduction in kidney function or kidney damage which is present for at least three months. A term used widely to describe kidney damage or reduced kidney function (irrespective of the cause) that persists for more than three months. Sometimes CKD leads to kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to keep you alive.
Chronic rejection: Where your body gradually rejects your transplanted kidney in the months and years after your transplant.
Cold ischaemia time: The time between when the kidney is removed from your donor and transplanted into your body.
Collagen: The main protein in your skin, which gives strength and support for your tendons, cartilage, bone and connective tissue which surround many of your organs.
Compatible: When a donor’s blood type is a good match to the recipient’s blood type.
Compatibility: An assessment of whether your body will accept the transplanted kidney.
Computed tomography: An imaging procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to create a series of detailed pictures or scans of areas inside your body.
Confidentiality: When someone’s personal information is kept private.
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD): A type of dialysis where a special fluid is put into the peritoneal cavity (abdomen) through a soft, plastic tube (catheter) then drained out a few hours later. This is usually done 3 or 4 times during the day.
Constipation: Bowel movements that are infrequent or hard to pass.
Corticosteroids: Medications that inhibit the body’s immune response and are often used to treat a range of conditions including inflammation.
Cross match: A test that combines your blood cells with the blood cells from the donor. A positive reaction means that there is a likelihood of severe rejections of the donor kidney.
Creatinine: Waste that is produced by the muscles. It is usually removed from your blood by your kidneys and passes out in your urine (wee). When your kidneys aren’t working properly, creatinine stays in your blood.
Cycler: A machine that connects to a catheter and performs the exchanges overnight during automated peritoneal dialysis.
Cyst: A sack full of fluid.
Cystine: Made from proteins found in a wide range of foods including meat, eggs and dairy foods.
Cystitis: A urinary infection of the bladder. Cystitis is the most common type of urinary infection.
Cystoscopy: An investigation where a special viewing camera is inserted via the urethra into the bladder.
Cytotoxic antibodies: Antibodies that your body develops to prevent infections.
Dehydration: When you do not have enough fluids in your body. If dehydration is severe it can cause serious problems and you may need to go to hospital.
Diabetes: A chronic disease caused by problems with the production and/or action of insulin in the body which helps control blood sugar levels.
Diabetic nephropathy: A serious outcome of diabetes, which affects the kidney filters and can lead to kidney failure. Also called diabetic kidney disease.
Dialysis: A treatment for end stage kidney disease that removes waste products and excess fluid from your blood by filtering your blood through a special membrane. There are two types of dialysis; haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Dialysis machine: A machine used in dialysis that filters your blood to remove excess water and waste products when your kidneys are damaged, dysfunctional, or missing.
Dialysate/dialysis Fluid: Special fluid that is used during dialysis to help clean the waste and excess fluid from your blood.
Dialyser: Part of a dialysis machine that acts like a kidney to filter blood and remove waste products and excess fluid.
Dialysis adequacy: How well your dialysis is working. It measures the amount of waste removed from your blood and determines the amount of dialysis needed.
Dietary deficiency: A shortage of necessary nutrients required for your body to function properly. This can happen from poor diet, or your body’s inability to absorb nutrients effectively and can lead to anaemia or other health conditions.
Diuretic: Any substance that increases the production of urine.
Donor: A person who gives a body organ, such as a kidney to another person.
Dysplastic: Abnormal development or growth of tissues, organs, or cells.
Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): An estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). GFR is the best measure of kidney function and helps to determine the stage of kidney disease. It shows how well your kidneys are cleaning your blood. See Glomerular filtration rate. Regarded as the best measure of how well the kidneys filter wastes from the blood.
Electrolytes: Elements or chemicals needed to enable the body and heart to work properly.
Endoscope: A long flexible tube with a light attached. It is used to look inside a body cavity or organ. The scope is inserted through a natural opening such as the urethra.
End Stage Kidney (Renal) Disease (ESKD): The stage of kidney disease when your kidneys have stopped working and treatment, such as dialysis or a transplant, is needed to sustain life. Also referred to as End Stage Kidney (Renal) Failure (ESKF), kidney failure or stage 5 CKD.
Enema: A procedure where fluid is injected into your rectum to cause a bowel movement.
Enzymes: Proteins made by cells in our body that start chemical reactions. Your kidneys use the enzyme called renin to control the levels of water and salt in your body. Many are used to break down the foods we eat so our body can use them.
Erythropoietin (EPO): A body chemical (hormone) mainly made by your kidneys that causes the bone marrow to make red blood cells. A lack of this hormone can cause anaemia.
Erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA): A special medicine that encourages your body to make more red blood cells.
Escherichia Coli (E.coli): A type of bacteria (germ) that can be found in your digestive system which can often lead to a urinary infection.
Exchange: One treatment cycle of peritoneal dialysis.
Exit site: The point where the peritoneal catheter exits your abdomen.
Fibre: Dietary fibre is found in cereals, fruits and vegetables. Fibre is made up of the indigestible parts of plants, which pass relatively unchanged through our stomach and intestines. The main role of fibre is to keep the digestive system healthy.
Fistula: Produced when a vein and an artery in your arm or leg are joined together in an operation to make it easier to move blood in and out of your body during haemodialysis.
Fistulogram: Examination of the blood vessels that make up your fistula. A small needle is placed in your fistula and dye is injected. This dye provides an image of the blood vessels that would otherwise be invisible on X-ray.
Fluid retention: When the body does not remove enough liquid (water). This can cause swollen or puffy ankles, face or hands. Also called Oedema.
Folic acid: Helps your body make new cells. It is especially important for pregnant women to have enough folic acid to prevent birth defects of their baby’s brain or spine including neural tube defects, including spina bifida and anencephaly. It is found in leafy green vegetables, fruits, dried beans, peas, and nuts. Some of our foods are fortified including breads and cereals. It is also used to treat anaemia caused by folic acid deficiency.
Folate: A B vitamin that helps in the production of red blood cells. It is mostly found in cereal foods, grains, leafy green vegetables and legumes.
Fontanelle: A soft spot on a baby’s skull where the bones have not yet joined and hardened.
Gene: Each cell in the human body contains about 25,000 to 35,000 genes. Genes carry the information that determines your traits, which are features or characteristics that are passed on to you — or inherited — from your parents.
General anaesthetic: Medications that are used to send you to sleep, so you’re unaware of surgery and don’t move or feel pain while it’s carried out.
General Practitioner (GP): A doctor who treats acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health education to patients.
Genetic: A condition or trait that is inherited from your parents via your genes. See Gene
Genetic Counsellor: Someone trained to help people understand and made decisions around the medical, psychological, and reproductive effects of your genetic condition. See The Australasian Society of Genetic Counsellors (ASGC) at www.hgsa.org.au/asgc for more information.
Genetic testing: A type of medical test that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes or proteins.
Glomerulus: One of the key structures that make up the nephron which is the filtering unit of the kidney.
Glomerulonephritis: A type of kidney disease that damages the tiny filters in the kidneys. It is sometimes called nephritis.
Glomeruli: See nephron.
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR): The best measure of kidney function and helps to determine the stage of kidney disease. It shows how well the kidneys are cleaning the blood. GFR is reported in millilitres per minute. The GFR is usually worked out from the results of the creatinine blood test with age and gender. See eGFR.
Glucose: A type of sugar which is a major source of energy for most cells of the body.
Gout: A type of arthritis which causes pain in your joints. Your doctor will advise on a treatment plan which will include following a healthy lifestyle.
Graft: Another type of access for haemodialysis that is used if the blood vessels cannot be used for a fistula. During surgery, an artery and a vein are joined together by soft tubing.
Haematocrit: The percentage of blood cells as a proportion of the total blood volume.
Haematuria: Blood in your urine. It can turn urine a red or dark cola colour, which is visible to the eye OR may only be found by a urine test (microscopic haematuria). Blood in the urine is a common sign of urinary tract infections but can be the first sign of a problem with the kidneys or the bladder.
Haemodialysis: A treatment for kidney failure. Your blood is pumped through special tubing to a haemodialysis machine. The machine acts like a kidney, filtering waste products from your blood before returning it to your body.
Haemoglobin (Hb): The part of red blood cells that helps blood carry oxygen around your body.
HbA1c: Glycosylated haemoglobin, which occurs when haemoglobin joins with glucose in the blood. The HbA1c test shows what a person's average blood glucose level was for the two to three months before the test. This can help determine how well a person's diabetes is being controlled over time.
HDL (High-density lipoprotein) cholesterol: Known as “good cholesterol”. The higher the amount of HDL cholesterol, the lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. See Cholesterol.
Health: Physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, not merely an absence of disease.
Health care team: The team of people involved in your care. This may include health professionals, family members, loved ones, and yourself.
Hereditary: Diseases that are passed from parents to their children.
HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen): Proteins located on the surface of white blood cells and other tissues in the body and play an important role in the immune system. Each person has a unique set of HLA.
HLA antibodies: The body’s immune system makes HLA antibodies against HLAs that are different from its own, most commonly following blood transfusion, transplant or pregnancy.
Heparin: Substance added to blood during haemodialysis to prevent it from clotting in the dialyser.
Home dialysis: Dialysis that is performed in your own home. It can be either peritoneal or haemodialysis.
Hormone: A chemical made by glands in the body. Hormones circulate in the bloodstream and control the actions of certain cells or organs.
Hyperacute rejection: Rejection that occurs minutes or hours after your transplant. This is very rare.
Hysterectomy: The procedure to remove the uterus. A hysterectomy may be performed due to a number of health conditions.
Hypertension: High blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause chronic kidney disease and chronic kidney disease can cause high blood pressure.
IgA nephritis: A common type of glomerulonephritis where build-up of the IgA antibody damages the kidney filters, allowing protein and blood to leak into the urine.
IgA nephropathy: A common type of glomerulonephritis where build up of the IgA antibody damages the kidney filters, allowing protein and blood to leak into the urine.
Immune system: A collection of special cells and chemicals that fight infection-causing agents such as bacteria and viruses.
Immunosuppressive drugs: Medication that weakens the body’s normal immune system. They are taken by transplant rejection recipients to prevent the body from rejecting the kidney.
Incompatible: When a donor’s blood type is not a good match to the recipient’s blood type.
Incontinence: Accidental loss of urine from the bladder.
Insomnia: A sleep disorder in which there is an inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep as long as desired.
Insulin: A hormone made by our pancreas. Insulin moves glucose (sugar) from our bloodstream into our body cells which is then used as energy. Diabetes means the body does not make insulin (Type 1) or does not make enough insulin, or the insulin it does make does not work well (Type 2).
Inherited: Passed to you by your parents. This can include personality traits, physical appearance and some health conditions.
Intravenous (IV): Administered into a vein or taking place within a vein.
Iron: Red blood cells need iron to carry oxygen around your body, giving you the energy you need for your daily activities. EPO (Erythropoietin) tells your body to make red blood cells. When you have kidney disease, your kidneys cannot make enough EPO. Low EPO levels cause your red blood cell count to drop and anemia to develop.
Keyhole surgery: Surgery that uses very small incisions and special instruments for the surgeon to see inside your body.
Kidneys: Most people have two kidneys, each about the size of an adult fist and weighing 150 grams. Inside each kidney there are about one million tiny units called nephrons. The nephrons are the part of the kidney that filters the blood. Each nephron is made up of a very small filter called a glomerulus. As blood passes through the nephron, water and waste products are removed. Most of the water returns to the blood and the waste products collect in the bladder then leave the body as urine (wee). Most kidney diseases attack the nephrons.
Kidney biopsy: A small piece of kidney tissue is removed for testing and examination under a microscope.
Kidney bone disease: Your kidneys play an important role in keeping your bones healthy including Levels of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D. People with kidney disease often develop problems with their bones
Kidney (renal) failure: The stage of kidney disease when the person’s kidneys have stopped working so treatment such as dialysis or a transplant is needed to sustain life. Also referred to as end stage kidney disease.
Kidney stones: Kidney stones happen when salts in the urine form a solid crystal. These stones can block the flow of urine and cause infection, kidney damage or even kidney failure.
Kidney transplant: A treatment for end stage kidney disease where a kidney is removed from the body of one person (the donor) and put into the body of the person with end stage kidney disease.
Kidney ultrasound scan: A probe is moved over the skin, sending and receiving ultrasound signals, which then make pictures of the kidneys and bladder. This is a diagnostic test, often used to measure the size of the kidneys.
Kilojoules: A metric measure of the energy value of food.
Laparoscopic nephrectomy: Where a kidney is removed from a donor using a number of small incisions rather than one large incision (compare open nephrectomy).
Laparoscopy: A small tube is placed into the abdomen (belly) which includes a small camera which allows the surgeon to see what they are doing. This avoids a large cut in the abdomen and reduces recovery time
Laxatives: Medication to relieve constipation (passing of hard, dry bowel motions (stools) that may be infrequent or difficult to pass).
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol: Known as ‘bad cholesterol”. The higher the amount of LDL cholesterol, the higher the risk of cardiovascular disease. See Cholesterol.
Libido: Another word for sexual desire.
Lipid: Another name for fats that cannot usually be dissolved in water.
Living kidney donation: Where a living person donates one of their kidneys to be transplanted to another person, usually a family member or close friend.
Local anaesthetic: Medications that numb a specific area of your body to prevent feeling pain (as compared to general anaesthetic, which applies to your whole body).
Magnesium: Required for the proper growth and maintenance of bones. Magnesium is also required for the proper function of nerves, muscles, and many other parts of the body. Chronic kidney disease reduces the ability of your body to deal with magnesium.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An imaging procedure that uses a magnetic field and radio wave energy to make detailed pictures or scans of areas inside your body.
Macroalbuminuria: When larger (‘macro’) amounts of a protein called albumin leak into the urine if the kidneys are damaged. Compare microalbuminuria.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body.
Malnutrition: Lack of proper nutrition, which may be caused by not having enough to eat, not eating enough of the right things, or your body being unable to use the food that you do eat.
Medullary cystic kidney disease: An inherited kidney disease where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to work properly because of cysts in the medulla (centre of the kidneys).
Membrane: A thin, elastic lining or sac connecting or covering parts of the body, which is used to filter wastes from the blood.
Menopause: The time when women naturally become infertile and their menstrual cycle comes to an end.
Menstrual cycle: When the female's body naturally prepares for pregnancy and experiences menstruation (period) during each cycle.
Microalbuminuria: When small (‘micro’) amounts of a protein called albumin leak into the urine if the kidneys are damaged. Compare macroalbuminuria.
Microscopic haematuria: When blood in the urine is detected by using a special urine test.
Molecular weight immunoglobulin: A protein that can sometimes be found in your urine. When found in abnormal levels in your urine this is called proteinuria.
Monounsaturated: A ‘healthy fat’ commonly found in plant-based foods such as olive oil, canola oil, nuts and seeds.
Multicystic: Many cysts.
Mutation: A gene that is faulty and does not work like it should. This can be inherited or caused by environmental factors including diet and chemicals.
Nephrectomy: Surgical removal of one or both kidneys.
Nephritic syndrome: A type of glomerulonephritis characterised by blood in the urine and high blood pressure. See Nephrotic syndrome.
Nephritis: See Glomerulonephritis.
Nephron: The tiny parts of the kidney that filter blood to make urine. There are over one million filters in each kidney.
Nephrologist: A medical doctor who specialises in kidney function.
Nocturnal haemodialysis: Where haemodialysis performed at night while you're asleep. This is usually performed in your home.
Non-directed living kidney donation: Where a living person donates one of their kidneys to someone on the kidney transplant waiting list. In this situation you do not know the person who receives your kidney.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications often used to reduce pain and inflammation (swelling and redness). Some commonly used NSAIDs include aspirin (in brands like Disprin), ibuprofen (such as Nurofen), naproxen (such as Naprosyn), diclofenac (such as Voltaren) and celecoxib (such as Celebrex).
Nuclear scan: An imaging procedure that uses radioactive substances to show structures and functions inside your body.
Occupational Therapist: A health professional trained to help you find solutions to problems you may meet when carrying out your daily activities. This may include physical or emotional difficulties with work, daily tasks and leisure activities.
Oedema: See fluid retention.
Open nephrectomy: Where a kidney is removed from a donor using one large incision (compare laparoscopic nephrectomy).
Ophthalmologist: A medical doctor who specialises in diagnosing and managing conditions of the eyes.
Organ Donor Register: The Australian Organ Donor Register is the only national register for people to record their decision about becoming an organ and tissue donor for transplantation after death. Joining the register is voluntary and you can elect which organs and tissues you are willing to donate. For more information visit: www.donatelife.gov.au/decide
Orthostatic proteinuria: When protein is lost into the urine whilst standing upright. Mostly occurs in older children.
Osteoarthritis: One of the most common forms of arthritis. Cartilage covers the ends of the two bones, absorbing shock and enabling the bones to glide smoothly over each other. With osteoarthritis, the cartilage becomes brittle and breaks down.
Osteoporosis: Makes bones become brittle leading to a higher risk of breaks than in normal bone. Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose minerals, such as calcium, more quickly than the body can replace them, causing a loss of bone thickness (bone density or mass).
Oxalate: Naturally present in many foods including leafy green vegetables.
Oxygenates: When oxygen is provided to the blood for circulation.
Palliative care: Doctor and nurse specialists who support you with pain and symptom management. Seeing a palliative care team does not change your lifespan but may increase your quality of life.
Pancreas: An organ in your stomach that helps break down your food and makes insulin.
Parathyroid glands: Produce parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH helps to control calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels within your blood and bone. Kidney failure can cause your parathyroid glands to produce too much PTH.
Parathyroid hormone: Helps to control calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels within the blood and bone.
Peritoneal cavity: The space in the abdomen (belly) holding the intestines and other organs.
Peritoneal dialysis (PD): Treatment for kidney failure during which dialysis fluid is moved in and out of your peritoneal cavity to remove wastes and fluid from your blood.
Peritonitis: An inflammation of the membrane (called the peritoneum) which lines the inside of the abdomen and all of the internal organs.
Peritoneal membrane: The membrane that lines your peritoneal cavity and covers organs such as your stomach, liver, spleen, and intestines.
pH: The concentration level of a solution. Used to determine if the solution is acidic or neutral.
Pharmacist: A person who is professionally qualified to prepare and dispense medicinal drugs. Also known as a chemist.
Phosphate: A mineral that, together with calcium, keeps your bones strong and healthy. Too much phosphate causes itching and pain in your joints, such as knees, elbows and ankles. When your kidneys are not functioning properly, high levels of phosphate accumulate in your blood.
Phosphate binder: If your phosphate level is too high, you may be prescribed medicine called phosphate binders. They combine with phosphate in your intestines so it can pass out of your body with the faeces (poo). It is important to take phosphate binders with your meals and snacks.
Physiotherapist: A health professional with specific training in treating conditions and injuries with physical methods such as massage and exercise.
Plasma exchange: A treatment for kidney rejection that removes antibodies in your blood.
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): An inherited kidney disease where many fluid filled sacs (cysts) grow on the kidneys.
Pyelonephritis: Upper urinary tract infections caused by bacteria that can lead to damage of the kidneys.
Potassium: A mineral in your body that is controlled by your kidneys. It helps nerves, muscles and other cells work well. At very high levels, it may cause your heart to stop.
Pre-emptive transplant: When someone receives a kidney transplant before beginning dialysis.
Protein: Substance obtained from food, which builds, repairs and maintains body tissues. It also helps to fight infections and heal wounds.
Proteinuria: The medical term for too much protein in your urine.
Plasmapheresis or plasma exchange: When your blood is filtered to remove antibodies which may be harmful to the recipient.
Psychiatrist: A medically trained doctor who specialises in the study and treatment of mental illness.
Psychologist: A health professional who is an expert in human behaviour. Many psychologists work directly with those experiencing difficulties, such as mental health disorders including anxiety and depression. A psychologist cannot prescribe medication.
Pruritus: Severe itching of the skin.
Physiotherapist: A health professional with specific training in treating conditions and injuries with physical methods such as massage and exercise.
Pharmacist: A health professional who is qualified to prepare and dispense medications.
Radiologist: A doctor who specialises in the study and interpretation of images using a range of medical imaging techniques.
Radionuclide scan: An imaging technique used to visualize parts of the body by injecting a small dose of a radioactive chemical into the body.
Red blood cells: The most common cells found in your blood, containing haemoglobin which helps to carry oxygen around your body.
Reflux nephropathy: A kidney condition caused by the backflow of urine from the bladder up the ureters into the kidney.
Rejection: Where your immune system attacks your transplanted kidney.
Renal: Another word for kidney.
Renal Dietitian: A health professional with specific training in the nutritional needs of people with kidney disease.
Renal Nurse: A nurse who has specific training in kidney disease treatment.
Renal technician: Provides technical support for the machinery involved in haemodialysis, help people to set up machines at home and are responsible for maintaining quality control. They also support the nursing staff involved in your care.
Renal social worker: Social workers who are trained in providing people with kidney disease and their families with the support needed to cope with kidney disease.
Renin: An enzyme made by the kidneys that helps to control blood pressure by monitoring water and salt levels in the body.
Respite: A short period of rest or relief.
Rope ladder cannulation technique: With this technique the dialysis needle placement is placed in a different site along the length of your fistula each time you have haemodialysis.
Sedative: A substance or drug used for its relaxation, calming or sleep-inducing affect.
Satellite centre: A dialysis unit that provides haemodialysis away from the hospital. This is an option when home dialysis is not appropriate and hospital dialysis is not required.
Septicaemia: When bacteria gets into your bloodstream. Early treatment with antibiotics is essential.
Sleep apnoea: When the walls of your throat close during sleep and breathing stops for a period of time (generally between ten seconds and up to one minute) until your brain realises, causing you to wake for a short time with a gasp. You may not realise it is happening but may wake unrefreshed in the morning.
Social Worker: health professionals who are available to support and advise you and your family about daily stresses, lifestyle readjustments and practical issues associated with kidney disease.
Sodium: An essential nutrient that regulates blood volume, blood pressure and water in the body. Also called salt.
Spiral computed tomography (CT): A procedure that uses a spiral x-ray machine to create a series of detailed images of areas within your body.
Stethoscope: A medical instrument for listening to the action of your heart or breathing.
Stroke: When blood supply to the brain is interrupted. When brain cells do not get enough blood supply, they die. A stroke is a life-threatening emergency. The FAST test is an easy way to recognise and remember the most common signs of stroke:
- Facial weakness. Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
- Arm weakness. Can they lift both arms?
- Speech difficulty. Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
- Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 straight away.
Semi-permeable membrane: A thin lining that allows some things to pass through it, but blocks others.
Serum crossmatch: Done when your blood type is looked at and checks the type of antibodies you may have that may damage your recipients’ cells.
Surgeon: A doctor who is specially trained in surgical techniques. Surgeons create vascular access for haemodialysis, put in and remove peritoneal dialysis catheters and perform kidney transplants.
Supportive care: Care given to prevent or manage symptoms and side effects of end stage kidney disease, which does not involve dialysis. With supportive care, medications, diet and other support measures are used to manage your symptoms of end stage kidney disease to allow you to live as well as possible for as long as possible. Also called non-dialysis supportive care or conservative care.
Terminal: An illness that is expected to lead to death.
Thyroid gland: Regulates many things including body and brain growth and development, body temperature, energy levels and your metabolism.
Thin-membrane disease: A rare genetic disorder that affects the glomeruli (filters) inside the kidneys.
Tissue typing: A test to find out the level of compatibility or matching between the organs of a donor and a recipient.
Tissue: Cells of the same type grouped together, e.g. muscles.
Toxic: Something that is harmful or dangerous.
Transplant: A medical operation in which an organ or tissue is removed from the body of one person (the donor) and put it into the body of another person who is very ill (the recipient). Organs that are suitable for donation include kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, intestines and pancreas. Tissues that are suitable for donation include heart valves and tissues, bone and tendons, skin, and eye tissue. One of a person’s kidneys can be transplanted while they are alive, but most other transplants are donated from a deceased person who has agreed to donate their organs and or tissues after their death.
Transplant Coordinator: Assists in organising the testing to determine your suitability for transplantation. They also provide support and information to the live kidney donors and transplant recipients.
Triglycerides: The most common form of stored fat in your body.
Urea: Waste product from the breakdown of protein.
Uraemia: A raised level in your blood of urea and other wastes that are normally removed by your kidneys.
Ureter: The tube that connects the kidneys to the bladder.
Urethra: The tube that takes urine out of the body from the bladder.
Urinalysis: When a sample of urine is collected and examine to detect for any unusual characteristics.
Uric acid: Made in your body as it breaks down proteins called purines which are sent to your kidneys to filter and pass out of your body as urine. If your kidneys are not working properly, uric acid can cause problems as it builds up in your body.
Urine: The name for excess fluid and waste products that are removed from the body by the kidneys. Commonly called wee.
Urine cytology: When the cells from a sample of urine are examined to identify any abnormal characteristics
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): A bacterial infection that can affect the urethra, bladder or kidneys. It may cause pain when urinating and wanting to urinate more frequently. Treatment with antibiotics may be needed.
Ultrasound scan: An imaging procedure that uses soundwaves to show structures and functions inside your body. This is a diagnostic test, often used to measure the size of the kidneys.
Unconscious: When a person is unable to respond and unaware of their surroundings.
Vascular access: Access to the bloodstream for haemodialysis.
Vascular access catheter: A special tube that is surgically inserted into your neck, collarbone or top of your leg to allow access for haemodialysis. Also called a central venous catheter.
Vein: A blood vessel that returns blood to your heart.
Ventilator: A machine used to move air in and out of a person’s lungs to help the patients breathe.
Vitamins: A group of substances that are essential for normal cell function, growth, and development.
Vitamin B12: Vital for the formation of red blood cells, as well as for the proper functioning and health of nerve tissue. It works alongside Folic Acid. A deficiency can cause anaemia.
X-rays: An examination used to create images of your internal organs or bones to help diagnose conditions or diseases.
Zinc: Found in many foods. Zinc deficiency symptoms include hair loss, eye and skin conditions, and loss of appetite. Other symptoms may include weight loss and delayed wound healing.
For more information
If you would like more information about kidney or urinary health, please contact our Kidney Helpline by phoning freecall 1800 454 363 or emailing [email protected]. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, contact the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 or www.relayservice.com.au.
