Blog
Bone Health and Kidney Disease: The Connection Most Patients Don’t Know About
When most people think about kidney disease, they think about fluid balance, dialysis, or blood pressure. Bone health rarely enters the conversation. Yet one of the most common and underrecognized complications of chronic kidney disease is a condition that silently weakens your bones, increases your fracture risk, and affects your overall quality of life. At […]
Swimming Pool Safety for Kidney Patients: Chlorine, Infections, and Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Care
Summer is here, and for many people, that means time at the pool. Swimming offers excellent low-impact exercise, social opportunities, and relief from the heat. But if you have kidney disease or are on peritoneal dialysis, you might wonder whether it’s safe to take a dip. The good news is that with proper precautions, most […]
5 Early Warning Signs of Kidney Disease You Shouldn’t Ignore
Your kidneys work quietly in the background, filtering waste, balancing fluids, and keeping your body functioning properly. But when something goes wrong, these vital organs don’t always send obvious distress signals. In fact, many people with chronic kidney disease don’t realize anything is wrong until the condition has progressed significantly. At Durham Nephrology Associates, we’ve […]
Can You Reverse Kidney Damage? What’s Possible vs. What’s Permanent
If you’ve been told you have kidney disease or reduced kidney function, you’re probably wondering: Can this be fixed? The answer is both hopeful and complex. While true reversal of kidney damage is rare, significant improvement is possible in certain situations. Understanding what can change and what can’t is essential for making informed decisions about […]
The Blood Pressure Number That Matters More for Your Kidneys
When your doctor checks your blood pressure, you get two numbers. The top number (systolic) measures pressure when your heart beats. The bottom number (diastolic) measures pressure when your heart rests between beats. For years, medical professionals debated which number deserves more attention when it comes to overall health. But when we’re talking specifically about […]
Understanding Your Lab Results: What Your Kidney Function Numbers Really Mean
You’ve just received your lab results, and the page is filled with numbers, acronyms, and reference ranges. If you’re like most patients, you might feel overwhelmed trying to decipher what these values mean for your kidney health. Understanding your lab results empowers you to take an active role in managing your kidney disease and having […]
Spring Cleaning for Your Health: A Kidney-Friendly Medication Review
Spring is traditionally a time for renewal and fresh starts. While you’re decluttering your closets and organizing your home, there’s another important area that deserves your attention: your medication cabinet. For individuals with kidney disease or those at risk, a thorough medication review isn’t just good housekeeping; it’s essential for protecting your kidney health. Why […]
Why Your Lab Results Can Shift in Spring Even If Nothing Else Has Changed
If you live with kidney disease or regularly monitor kidney-related labs, you may notice a confusing pattern. Numbers that were stable all winter suddenly move in the spring. Your creatinine changes slightly. Potassium creeps up or down. Blood pressure readings look different. Yet your routine, medications, and diet seem exactly the same. This is actually […]
Spring Activity, Silent Electrolyte Loss: What Kidney Patients Should Know Before Getting More Active
Spring is a season of renewal. As temperatures rise and daylight extends, many people feel inspired to get outside and increase physical activity. Walking, gardening, biking, and other outdoor activities can boost mood, improve heart health, and promote overall well-being. For individuals with kidney disease, staying active is just as important. Exercise can help manage […]
Do Over-the-Counter Pain Medications Harm Your Kidneys? What Patients Should Know Before Taking NSAIDs
Over-the-counter pain medications are among the most commonly used drugs in the world. From headaches and muscle aches to chronic joint pain, millions of people rely on these medications daily. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, are widely used for pain relief and inflammation. While these medications are effective and […]
