Glossary

The movement of a liquid, such as urine, in the opposite direction to normal. Vesico-ureteric reflux is back-flow of urine from the bladder towards the kidneys.

Kidney scarring caused by a combination of reflux and infections.

What happens when a kidney transplant is rejected by the body. If left untreated, it would eventually cause the kidney to stop working.

A complication of kidney failure, in which bone health is affected by abnormally low blood levels of calcium and vitamin D and high levels of phosphate. Without treatment, renal bone disease can result in bone pain and fractures.

A restriction in certain foods for patients with kidney disease.  This might include restriction in foods containing high salt, potassium and phosphate and/or a restriction of fluids.

A hormone made by the kidneys that helps regulate blood pressure.

Narrowing of the kidney arteries, usually causing high blood pressure.

The kidney function left after starting dialysis.