Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Centers of Excellence
Let’s Talk About Kidneys
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder that can lead to chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and kidney failure. Affecting between 500,000 and 600,000 Americans, treatment targets symptom management with diet, medications, and, if needed, dialysis or a kidney transplant.
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What is Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)?
Let’s Talk About Kidneys
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) affects about 600,000 people in the United States, according to the PKD Foundation. It is one of the most common genetic kidney disorders, yet many people don’t even know they have it until later in life. Today, we’ll break down what PKD is, how it’s diagnosed, and how people can live well with it.
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Kidney Stones
Let’s Talk About Kidneys
In this episode of Let’s Talk About Kidneys, Dr. Jayasree Grandhi of Dallas Nephrology Associates breaks down kidney stones—what they are, what causes them, and how to prevent and treat them. Affecting up to 1 in 5 men and 1 in 10 women, kidney stones are common but manageable with the right care.
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Pregnancy and Kidney Disease: What to expect?
Let’s Talk About Kidneys
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition that affects how the kidneys work over time. For women with CKD who are planning to have a family, there are important factors to consider to ensure the best possible outcomes. Can I have a baby if I have CKD?
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Kidney Disease: From Diagnosis, Staging and Common Lab Tests
Let’s Talk About Kidneys
In this episode of Let's Talk About Kidneys, Dr. Lauren McDonald, a nephrologist with Dallas Nephrology Associates, discusses the diagnosis, staging, and common tests for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Dr. McDonald explains how kidney disease is diagnosed, common symptoms, and some of the key tests, including BUN, creatinine, GFR, hemoglobin A1C, kidney biopsies, and more. She also discusses the importance of being your own healthcare advocate, family histories, how to maintain health records, and the importance of monitoring your diabetes, and...
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What is New in Kidney Transplant?
Let’s Talk About Kidneys
This episode of Let's Talk About Kidneys, Dr. Saim, a nephrologist with Dallas Nephrology Associates, discusses what is new in kidney transplant. The podcast discusses advancements in kidney transplantation, focusing on the benefits and risks of living and deceased donor transplant. Dr. Saim highlights that over 25,000 transplants were performed last year, with nearly 7,000 from living donors. Living donor transplants offer better survival rates and shorter waiting time. The waiting list has nearly 100,000 patients, with blood group O having the longest wait. ...
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Dialysis Patients and Their Diet
Let’s Talk About Kidneys
Let's Talk About Kidneys Dialysis Patients and Their Diet In this episode of Let’s Talk About Kidneys, Dr. Rao, a nephrologist at Dallas Nephrology Associates, discusses the importance of diet for all dialysis patients. She emphasizes the need for dietary modifications even before dialysis, focusing on reducing salt intake, managing potassium and phosphorus levels, and maintaining adequate protein consumption. Introduction Dr. Rao shares her background, mentioning that she joined Dallas Nephrology Associates fifteen years ago and sees patients mostly in Mesquite, Sunnyvale, and...
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New Treatment Therapies In Kidney Care
Let’s Talk About Kidneys
In this episode of the Let’s Talk About Kidneys podcast, Dr. Roberto Collazo addresses the development of new treatments for kidney disease that are essential for slowing disease progression, improving patient outcomes, and preventing kidney failure. Throughout his discussion, he will examine various therapeutic options currently available, as well as those expected in the future. What types of treatments have there been in the past for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)? Dr. Collazo addressed the medications available during the 1990s and early 2000s. He also discussed newly...
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Weight Management Strategies with CKD
Let’s Talk About Kidneys
In this episode of the Let’s Talk About Kidneys podcast, Dallas Nephrology Associates Dietitian, Nadiya Lakhani, RDN, CSR, LD, FNKF, explains why weight management is important to the general population and how it affects the kidneys. How does weight affect the kidneys? When the body carries more weight than it can handle, it increases the demand on the kidneys to hyper filtrate. In other words, it forces your kidneys to work harder, which will eventually cause them to be overworked. On the flip side, unintentional weight loss increases the risk of that person having increased...
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Kidney Transplant - Getting Started
Let’s Talk About Kidneys
In this episode of the Let’s Talk About Kidneys podcast, Dr. Muhammad Qureshi talks about the benefits of a kidney transplant, why it’s a good choice after kidney failure, and what the process looks like before, during and after. Why should a CKD patient consider a kidney transplant? Dr. Qureshi talks about the fact that there are both mortality and morbidity benefits of a kidney transplant. In other words, not only do you live longer, but you live better. Who qualifies for a kidney transplant? Anyone who has a kidney function less than 20% or someone who has already...
info_outlineTune into this episode where Dallas Nephrologist Dr. Daniel Richey talks about how some medications can keep your kidneys from working the way they should. Dr. Richey covers the most common over-the-counter (OTC) medications that are approved and not approved for patients diagnosed with kidney disease. Learn how to choose the right medications, and which ones to avoid.
What OTC Medications Should Kidney Patients Avoid
Dr. Richey explains that the most important class of medications that patients with kidney disease should know about are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These include brand names like Ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin and Naproxen.
Kidney Damage From OTC Drugs - NSAIDs
NSAIDs can be very dangerous for patients who have kidney disease to use on a daily basis. Dr. Richey tells his patients that it’s OK to use these kinds of over-the-counter medications if they have an acute injury or need to reduce a fever.
While NSAIDs can sometimes be used sparingly, taking them on an ongoing basis can cause severe damage to the kidneys.
Dr. Richey emphasizes that he’s seen many patients experience significant kidney function decline as a result of improper NSAID use. He recommends talking to your doctor if you're not sure if you're taking an NSAID.
Medications, Supplements That Cause High Blood Pressure
NSAIDs can cause fluid retention, electrolyte disturbances in blood work and can raise your blood pressure.
Other supplements, medications and herbs that can cause high blood pressure include:
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Pseudoephedrine, which is commonly used for colds to relieve sinus stuffiness
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Popular over-the-counter weight loss supplements
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Licorice extract and licorice
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Some preparations of Chinese herbs
Additionally, for many kidney disease patients, Vitamin C can be safe, Dr. Richey says. But patients with a history of kidney stones need to be careful with Vitamin C.
What Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications Can Kidney Patients Take For Pain?
When it comes to selecting over-the-counter drugs for joint pain and fever, Dr. Richey says your choices are pretty straightforward - Tylenol (or acetaminophen). He says that these medications are completely safe for your kidneys.
Keep Your Kidney Doctor in the Loop
Kidney patients often see several different doctors who prescribe them medications, so their lists change on a regular basis. Dr. Richey recommends that patients keep a list of their medications so they can bring it to their doctor appointments. When your kidney doctors know exactly what medications you’re taking, they can provide you with the best overall care.