What are the early signs of kidney disease?

Early kidney disease may not cause symptoms. As kidney function declines, some people may notice swelling in the feet or ankles, changes in urination, fatigue, nausea or other symptoms. Blood and urine tests can find signs of kidney disease before symptoms appear.

What is the difference between chronic kidney disease and kidney failure?

Chronic kidney disease means the kidneys have been damaged and are not working as well as they should. Kidney failure is the most advanced stage of kidney disease, when the kidneys can no longer do enough of their normal work to keep the body healthy.

Can chronic kidney disease be cured?

Chronic kidney disease usually cannot be reversed, but treatment may help slow its progression, protect remaining kidney function and manage complications.

What causes chronic kidney disease?

Diabetes and high blood pressure are common causes of chronic kidney disease. Other causes include genetic conditions, diseases that damage the kidneys’ filters and other kidney or urinary problems.

Does everyone with kidney disease need dialysis?

No. Many people with kidney disease do not need dialysis. Medicines, nutrition changes and management of conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure may help protect kidney function. Dialysis is generally considered when kidney function becomes severely reduced and the kidneys can no longer meet the body’s needs.

What’s the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?

Hemodialysis uses a machine and filter to clean your blood. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen to filter waste and extra fluid. Your kidney care team can help determine which option may be right for you.

Kidney Conditions and Treatments

Learn about kidney conditions Ochsner Health treats and the treatment options available to help protect your kidney health.

Your kidneys remove waste and extra fluid from your blood and help control blood pressure and other important body functions. When your kidneys are not working as they should, Ochsner Health nephrologists can help find the cause and create a treatment plan based on your needs.

Our kidney specialists care for people with common and complex kidney conditions, from high blood pressure and kidney stones to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.

What kidney conditions does Ochsner treat?

Ochsner nephrologists diagnose and treat conditions that affect how well your kidneys work. These include:
Acute kidney injury
Acute kidney injury happens when kidneys suddenly stop working as well as they should. It can be caused by illness, dehydration, certain medicine or other health problems. Treatment depends on the cause and how much kidney function has been affected.
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, happens when the kidneys become damaged and lose function over time. Diabetes and high blood pressure are common causes. Treatment can help slow kidney damage and manage other health problems related to CKD.
Kidney failure
Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys can no longer remove enough waste and extra fluid from the blood. People with kidney failure may need dialysis or a kidney transplant.
High blood pressure and kidney disease
High blood pressure can damage the kidneys over time. Kidney disease can also make blood pressure harder to control. Our nephrologists help manage high blood pressure that is related to kidney disease or does not improve with standard treatment.
Glomerular diseases
The glomeruli are tiny filters inside the kidneys that remove waste and extra fluid from the blood. Diseases that damage these filters can cause blood or protein in the urine and may lead to kidney damage.
Nephrotic syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome occurs when damage to the kidneys causes too much protein to pass into the urine. It can cause swelling, weight gain and other health problems.
Polycystic kidney disease
Polycystic kidney disease, or PKD, is an inherited condition that causes fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidneys. These cysts can affect kidney function over time.
Genetic kidney diseases
Some kidney conditions are caused by changes in genes that can be passed down through families. Testing can help identify certain genetic kidney diseases and guide treatment.
Kidney stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys. Some stones pass on their own, while others may require medical or surgical treatment.
Blood in the urine
Blood in the urine, also called hematuria, can have many causes, including kidney disease, kidney stones or problems in the urinary tract. Testing can help determine the cause.
Electrolyte disorders
The kidneys help balance minerals such as sodium and potassium in the blood. Kidney problems can cause these levels to become too high or too low.
Acid-base disorders
The kidneys help maintain the right balance of acids in the body. Kidney disease and other health conditions can affect this balance and may require treatment.
How are kidney conditions diagnosed?
Your nephrologist may use blood tests, urine tests, imaging or other testing to learn how well your kidneys are working and what may be causing the problem.
Testing may include:
- Blood tests to measure kidney function and electrolyte levels
- Urine tests to check for blood, protein and other signs of kidney disease
- Imaging tests to look at the kidneys and urinary system
- Genetic testing for certain inherited kidney conditions
- Kidney biopsy to examine a small sample of kidney tissue
Your care team will recommend testing based on your symptoms, health history and kidney function.
How are kidney conditions treated?
Treatment depends on your condition, kidney function and overall health. The goal may be to protect your remaining kidney function, manage symptoms or replace some of the work your kidneys can no longer do.
Medicines and lifestyle changes
Some kidney conditions can be managed with medicines, nutrition changes and other healthy habits. Your care team may also help you manage conditions that can affect kidney health, including diabetes and high blood pressure.
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis uses a machine to remove waste and extra fluid from your blood when your kidneys can no longer do enough of this work. Hemodialysis may be provided at a dialysis center or at home.
Peritoneal dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment that filters blood inside your body using the lining of your abdomen:
- Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD): Dialysis performed throughout the day without a machine
- Continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD): Dialysis performed at home while you sleep
Interventional nephrology
Interventional nephrology includes procedures that help create, maintain or repair access needed for dialysis.
Kidney biopsy
During a kidney biopsy, a small sample of kidney tissue is removed and examined. The results can help your nephrologist diagnose certain kidney conditions and determine the right treatment.
Kidney transplant
A kidney transplant replaces a kidney that is no longer working with a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor. Kidney transplant may be an option for some people with advanced kidney disease or kidney failure.
When is dialysis needed?

Dialysis may be needed when the kidneys can no longer remove enough waste and extra fluid from the blood. Your nephrologist will consider your kidney function, symptoms, overall health and test results when deciding if it is time to begin dialysis.
There are different types of dialysis, and the best option depends on your health and lifestyle. Your care team will help you understand your options and prepare for treatment.
Active medical care without dialysis
For some people with advanced kidney disease, dialysis may not be the right choice. Active medical care without dialysis focuses on keeping your kidneys working as long as possible while managing symptoms and supporting your quality of life.
Ochsner’s Multidisciplinary Palliative Nephrology Clinic can help you understand your options and make care decisions based on what matters most to you.
When is a kidney transplant needed?

A kidney transplant may be an option when kidney disease becomes severe or progresses to kidney failure. You do not always have to be on dialysis before being evaluated for a transplant. Ochsner’s kidney transplant team evaluates each patient to determine whether transplant is an appropriate treatment option.
How can I protect my kidney health?
If you have kidney disease, taking steps to manage your overall health may help protect your remaining kidney function. Your care team may recommend that you:
- Control your blood pressure
- Manage diabetes
- Follow your recommended nutrition plan
- Take medicines as directed
- Stay physically active when possible
- Keep regular appointments with your care team
- Avoid medicines or supplements that could harm your kidneys unless approved by your doctor
Talk with your doctor before making major changes to your diet, medicines or supplements.

Frequently asked questions about kidney conditions

What are the early signs of kidney disease?

Early kidney disease may not cause symptoms. As kidney function declines, some people may notice swelling in the feet or ankles, changes in urination, fatigue, nausea or other symptoms. Blood and urine tests can find signs of kidney disease before symptoms appear.
What is the difference between chronic kidney disease and kidney failure?

Chronic kidney disease means the kidneys have been damaged and are not working as well as they should. Kidney failure is the most advanced stage of kidney disease, when the kidneys can no longer do enough of their normal work to keep the body healthy.
Can chronic kidney disease be cured?
What causes chronic kidney disease?
Does everyone with kidney disease need dialysis?

No. Many people with kidney disease do not need dialysis. Medicines, nutrition changes and management of conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure may help protect kidney function. Dialysis is generally considered when kidney function becomes severely reduced and the kidneys can no longer meet the body’s needs.
What’s the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?

Hemodialysis uses a machine and filter to clean your blood. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen to filter waste and extra fluid. Your kidney care team can help determine which option may be right for you.

Kidney Conditions and Treatments

What kidney conditions does Ochsner treat? Chevron Arrow

How are kidney conditions diagnosed? Chevron Arrow

How are kidney conditions treated? Chevron Arrow

When is dialysis needed? Chevron Arrow

When is a kidney transplant needed? Chevron Arrow

How can I protect my kidney health? Chevron Arrow

Frequently asked questions about kidney conditions

What are the early signs of kidney disease? Chevron Arrow

What is the difference between chronic kidney disease and kidney failure? Chevron Arrow

Can chronic kidney disease be cured? Chevron Arrow

What causes chronic kidney disease? Chevron Arrow

Does everyone with kidney disease need dialysis? Chevron Arrow

What’s the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis? Chevron Arrow

What kidney conditions does Ochsner treat?

How are kidney conditions diagnosed?

How are kidney conditions treated?

When is dialysis needed?

When is a kidney transplant needed?

How can I protect my kidney health?