Kidney disease can be a confusing and misunderstood condition. That's why understanding the key facts is essential — knowing the basics can make a big difference in your health.
Here are 4 things that Mayo Clinic kidney specialist Lourdes Gonzalez Suarez, M.D., Ph.D., wants everyone to know about kidney disease.
Drinking more water isn't always the answer
Because kidneys help keep the right balance of fluid in the body, people often think that kidney issues are related to dehydration.
"One of the biggest misunderstandings about kidney failure or injury is that drinking more water will fix the problem," says Dr. Gonzalez Suarez. "But that's not usually the case."
It's true that sometimes a kidney injury happens because of dehydration caused by not drinking enough water or losing too many fluids from severe vomiting. In those cases, replacing the body's fluids can improve kidney function.
"But most of the time, kidney failure is caused by other risk factors," says Dr. Gonzalez Suarez. "And in those patients, drinking more fluid is not going to be helpful."
In fact, she warns, it could be dangerous.
"When the kidneys are injured, they can only handle a certain amount of fluid. Drinking too much can lead to fluid retention, heart problems and other health issues."
If you have kidney disease, you should talk to your healthcare team about how much fluid you should be drinking, as well as other ways to take care of your health.
Most people's risk is bigger than they know
The most common causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which affect millions of people. Yet most people don't realize how these common health conditions can affect their kidneys.
High blood pressure and diabetes can damage the blood vessels, making it harder for the kidneys to filter waste from your blood. The opposite is true too: Kidney disease can worsen both of these chronic conditions.
"They're all interrelated," says Dr. Gonzalez Suarez. "That's why it's so important to take care of your health. Keep your blood pressure under control. Exercise regularly and stay at a healthy weight."
Even if you're relatively healthy, she says it's important to know your family history.
"If you have family members who have high blood pressure or diabetes, that increases your risk of getting them yourself."
A silent risk may be found over the counter
"One of the most common risk factors for kidney injury is something people see advertised on TV all the time," says Dr. Gonzalez Suarez. "And that's over-the-counter pain medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs."
NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, others) and naproxen. Using these medicines, or aspirin, once in a while for headaches or minor pain is typically safe. But when taken in high doses, NSAIDs and aspirin can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and lead to kidney failure.
"Most people don't know how harmful these drugs can be," she says. "But it's important to be aware of it and stick to the recommended dose."
If you have kidney disease or are at risk of kidney problems, talk to your care team about other ways to manage pain.
Dialysis isn't as scary as you think
Many people feel anxious when they first hear about dialysis, a common treatment for end-stage kidney disease. They might picture long, uncomfortable treatments while hooked to a machine. Or they may think of dialysis as a life sentence.
While dialysis can feel overwhelming at first, many people adjust to it and live active, fulfilling lives. Treatments, whether in a clinic or at home, can be adjusted to fit your routine.
Dr. Gonzalez Suarez talks to many people who are hesitant to start dialysis. She says in most cases, people are afraid of the unknown. Or they've heard from a friend or relative that dialysis is challenging.
"In many cases, people say that their fear disappears after they're connected to the machine and they see that it's not as bad as they initially thought," she says.
She says people often sleep through the treatment. And for many, dialysis can actually bring relief, improving symptoms like nausea or fluid overload caused by kidney failure.
Dr. Gonzalez Suarez says not to let fear get in the way of treating your kidney disease. "It's not fair to yourself to decide not to do it without trying one session."
Talking to your healthcare team about your concerns can help you feel more prepared and confident.