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  Kidney Disease - The positive impact of patient education
Published July/August 2001

Kidney (NAPSA)-Americans are living longer than ever before. In 2001, there were an estimated 35 million people age 65 or older in the United States, accounting for almost 13 percent of the total population. The size of the older population is projected to double over the next 30 years, growing to 70 million by 2030, making diseases associated with aging, such as high blood pressure and diabetes more common. Since these are the top two risk factors for kidney disease, more people are expected to be diagnosed with kidney disease over time, making it critical that people at risk see a physician regularly to assess their kidney health.

Nearly 16 million Americans are at risk for kidney disease and many may not even know it. Further, 300,000 people are currently on dialysis in the U.S.-a number that is expected to grow at a rate of approximately seven percent each year. In addition, one out of every three people with kidney disease is African-American.

Learning as much as possible about kidney disease, risk factors and treatment options is the key to better management of the disease. Talking with your physician and taking part in focused and comprehensive education programs will enable you to get the information you need to make choices that are most suitable to your lifestyle.

"I have found in my own practice that the better my patients are educated about the risk factors, treatment options and necessary lifestyle changes, the better prepared they are to manage their disease," said Paul Turer, M.D., Chief of Nephrology at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, Md. "Further, research has shown that the level of education patients receive prior to initiating dialysis influences their treatment decisions, the level of their satisfaction with the treatment and their involvement in their own care. Therefore, it's important for patients to have access to a variety of educational resources that help them make informed decisions about their overall care," Dr. Turer added.

Symptoms of kidney failure vary from person to person, but the following are the most common:
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fluid retention/swollen legs
  • Anemia
  • Drowsiness or confusion
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Puffiness around the eyes
  • Loss of sex drive
  • Itching
  • Feeling cold


Knowing the right questions to ask is important when you or a loved one is diagnosed with kidney disease. Suggested questions to cover with your physician:

  • What is my kidney function and percent of kidney function? What does this mean?
  • What causes my condition?
  • What tests have I had? What tests do I need to have? When? How often?
  • What is my serum creatinine level? How does this compare to the last time I was tested?
  • What can I do to prevent my kidneys from getting worse?
  • What medications, if any, do I need right now?
  • Should I follow a special diet? When should I talk to a dietitian?
  • When should I see a kidney specialist? (nephrologist)
  • If I am told I will need dialysis, when will I need to learn more about treatment options like in-center and home dialysis or a kidney transplant?
  • Whom can I speak with regarding insurance, medical coverage and Medicare eligibility for these treatments?
  • Are there support groups I can join?
  • Can I continue working now and when I start treatment?

    In addition to knowing the right questions to ask, it's important to know where to turn for more information. For example, Baxter Healthcare Corporation provides a variety of educational resources about kidney disease and treatment options through a multi-pronged approach, allowing patients nationwide to stay in touch with information throughout the progression of their disease. The program offers help on www.kidneydirections.com; free educational materials mailed directly to your home when you enroll in the Stay in Touch program; and access to Kidney Patient Educators, nurses who provide one-on-one counseling in areas with high concentrations of people with kidney disease.

    For more information about kidney disease, visit the Web site www.kidneydirections.com.

    People at risk, or who have been diagnosed with kidney disease can enroll in Stay in Touch by calling toll-free 1-888-233-6651, or registering on www.kidneydirections.com. Healthcare professionals also can register their patients in this program.

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