NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION10
too small or too large. It can also
show kidney stones, tumors, or
other problems.
• A kidney biopsy. This can help
find out what caused your kidney
disease and how much damage
to the kidneys has happened. A
biopsy is a procedure to remove
tiny pieces of kidney tissue, which
are looked at under a microscope.
You are given medication to keep
you from feeling pain during the
procedure. Not everyone will need
to have a kidney biopsy.
What if my tests conirm that I
have chronic kidney disease?
You will be given a treatment plan to
follow. Your treatment plan will be
based on many things, including what
caused your kidney disease, how much
kidney function you have, and whether
you have other health problems. It may
include taking medicine, changing
your diet, limiting salt, getting exercise,
and more.
What is chronic kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease is a life-long
condition. If you have it, it means
your kidneys cannot work as well as
they used to. This can happen
if kidneys become damaged.