Nephrology & Kidney Disease FAQ
What is eGFR?
eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) is a calculation based on your blood creatinine, age, sex, and sometimes race. It estimates how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. A higher eGFR usually means better kidney function, while a lower eGFR suggests reduced kidney function. Your doctor uses eGFR to stage chronic kidney disease and track changes over time.
Can kidney disease get better?
Some causes of kidney problems, like dehydration, infections, or certain medication effects, can improve with treatment—this is often called acute kidney injury. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) usually does not fully “go away,” but with early care, many people can slow or even stop it from getting worse. The goal is to protect the kidney function you have and prevent complications.
Does high blood pressure damage the kidneys?
Yes. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of kidney disease. Over time, elevated pressure damages the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys, making it harder for them to filter your blood. The good news is that controlling blood pressure with lifestyle changes and medications can greatly reduce this damage and protect your kidneys.
What does protein in my urine mean?
Protein in the urine (proteinuria) means your kidneys are leaking protein that should stay in your blood. Sometimes it is temporary—for example, after heavy exercise or during an illness—but it can also be an early sign of kidney damage. Persistent protein in the urine is a reason to see a nephrologist for further evaluation.