Diseases & Conditions Overview
Kidney disease affects more than 37 million Americans — and many don't know they have it until significant damage has already occurred. Understanding the conditions that affect your kidneys is the first step toward protecting your health.
At Home Comfort Dialysis, our clinical team specializes in the full spectrum of kidney-related conditions — from early-stage CKD to end-stage kidney failure. This page provides an overview of the most common conditions we treat and what you need to know about each one.
Clinical Note: Early detection and proactive management are the most powerful tools against kidney disease progression. If you have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, talk to your doctor about regular kidney function testing.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Chronic Kidney Disease is a long-term condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. CKD develops slowly over months or years and is often called a "silent disease" because symptoms may not appear until the condition is advanced.
Risk Factors
The 5 Stages of CKD
| Stage | eGFR (mL/min) | Kidney Function | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | 90+ | 90–100% | Kidney damage with normal function |
| Stage 2 | 60–89 | 60–89% | Mildly reduced function |
| Stage 3 | 30–59 | 30–59% | Moderately reduced function |
| Stage 4 | 15–29 | 15–29% | Severely reduced function |
| Stage 5 | <15 | <15% | Kidney failure — dialysis or transplant needed |
Want the full CKD guide?
Explore our comprehensive Chronic Kidney Disease resource page.
End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD)
End-Stage Kidney Disease — also called kidney failure or Stage 5 CKD — occurs when the kidneys can no longer function well enough to sustain life on their own. At this stage, kidney function has dropped to less than 15% (eGFR below 15 mL/min), and waste products and fluids build up to dangerous levels in the body.
ESKD is a life-altering diagnosis, but it is manageable. With the right treatment plan — dialysis or a kidney transplant — many patients with ESKD live full, active lives.
Understanding Your Options at ESKD
Dialysis
A machine or process that filters your blood when your kidneys can no longer do so. Options include hemodialysis (in-center or at home) and peritoneal dialysis.
Learn about HemodialysisKidney Transplant
A surgical procedure to place a healthy kidney from a donor into your body. A successful transplant can restore near-normal kidney function and eliminate the need for dialysis.
Talk to Our TeamSymptoms of ESKD
Managing Life with ESKD
Consistent Dialysis
Attending all scheduled dialysis sessions is critical. Missing sessions allows waste and fluid to accumulate, increasing the risk of serious complications.
Dietary Management
A kidney-friendly diet low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus helps reduce the burden on dialysis and prevents dangerous mineral imbalances.
Medication Adherence
Many ESKD patients take medications to control blood pressure, manage anemia, and bind phosphorus. Taking them as prescribed is essential.
Mental & Emotional Health
An ESKD diagnosis can be emotionally overwhelming. Our social workers and support staff are here to help you and your family navigate this journey.
Hypertension & Diabetes
Hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes are the two leading causes of kidney disease in the United States — together responsible for more than 70% of all new cases of kidney failure. Understanding how these conditions damage the kidneys is key to preventing or slowing that damage.
Hypertension
High Blood Pressure & the Kidneys
High blood pressure damages the small blood vessels inside the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter blood effectively. Over time, this leads to scarring and loss of kidney function — a cycle that worsens as kidney disease progresses, since damaged kidneys struggle to regulate blood pressure.
Key Facts
- Normal BP: below 120/80 mmHg
- Hypertension: 130/80 mmHg or higher
- Target BP for CKD patients: under 130/80
- ACE inhibitors & ARBs protect kidneys
Diabetes
Diabetic Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy)
High blood sugar from diabetes damages the kidney's filtering units (nephrons) over time. This condition — called diabetic nephropathy — is the single most common cause of kidney failure in the U.S. About 1 in 3 adults with diabetes develops kidney disease.
Key Facts
- 1 in 3 diabetics develops kidney disease
- Early sign: protein in urine (albuminuria)
- Blood sugar control slows progression
- SGLT2 inhibitors offer kidney protection
Protecting Your Kidneys if You Have Hypertension or Diabetes
Control Blood Pressure
Keep blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg. Take prescribed medications consistently and monitor at home.
Manage Blood Sugar
For diabetics, maintaining an A1C below 7% significantly reduces the risk of kidney damage. Work with your endocrinologist and nephrologist together.
Get Regular Kidney Tests
Annual urine albumin and eGFR tests can detect kidney damage early — before symptoms appear — when intervention is most effective.
Follow a Kidney-Friendly Diet
Reduce sodium, limit processed foods, and follow your dietitian's guidance on potassium and phosphorus intake.
Avoid Nephrotoxic Medications
NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen can worsen kidney function. Always consult your care team before taking over-the-counter pain relievers.