Back to basics: A little kidney disease 101 education

Here at the American Kidney Fund (AKF), we are all about the kidneys and fighting kidney disease on all fronts. (You could even say "Kidney" is our middle name.) We champion the importance of these organs — which often get less attention than the headliners: the heart, the brain, the lungs. 

Like anyone comfortable in their own small slice of the world, it can be surprising to learn that these habits are not true for everyone. A recent kidney disease awareness survey of 1,000 respondents in the U.S. (conducted by YouGov on behalf of AKF) allowed us to see what really is "common knowledge" about kidney disease. According to the survey, a majority (77%) of Americans report knowing what kidney disease is, but only 16% feel "very confident" in that knowledge. 

We want to help everyone feel more confident so they can know — and love — kidneys as much as we do.

Let's get started with some kidney disease 101!

What are kidneys?

Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs near the middle of your back, one on either side of your spine, just below your ribcage. 

What do kidneys do?

Your kidneys filter all the blood in your body many times a day to remove extra fluid and waste. This extra fluid and waste make up your urine (pee). Your kidneys do other important jobs too, such as help control your blood pressure. Just over half (55%) of respondents knew that the kidneys do all three of these things (filter blood, remove waste and control blood pressure). You need at least one healthy kidney to keep your body working the way it should.

How many kidneys does everyone have?

Two — one on either side of your spine.

How many working kidneys do you need to have to live?

One! That is why people can be living kidney donors — giving one to someone who needs it.

How many stages of kidney disease are there?

While our survey shows that the majority of Americans (77%) think there are three stages of kidney disease, there are actually five stages of kidney disease. 

Which stage means your kidneys are the most damaged?

The stages of kidney disease progress from stage 1 to stage 5. Stage 1 is the least serious damage to your kidneys and stage 5 in the most serious — meaning you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or kidney failure. If you are in kidney failure, you need dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.

Can kidney disease be cured?

According to our survey, 75% of Americans believe that kidney disease can be cured when it is caught early. Unfortunately, there is no cure for kidney disease. Once the kidney is damaged, the damage cannot be reversed and requires treatment to sustain life.

Fortunately, when caught early, the progression of kidney disease can be slowed or stopped. That means that if you find out you have kidney disease in the early stages, you can take action — including lifestyle changes and medicines — to keep your kidneys from reaching the point of kidney failure. 

What is the most common cause of kidney disease?

The most common cause of kidney disease is diabetes. The survey showed that about one third (33%) of respondents knew this, but 31% did not know. 

Other important common causes include high blood pressure, genetic diseases, glomerular diseases and cystic diseases.

Want to learn more? Explore AKF's Know Your Kidneys®, which has more information, interactive quizzes, downloadable guides and other resources to help you better understand kidney disease.