Everything you need to know about kidney functions and kidney diseases

Posted By Suborna Fermi Posted on Feb 17, 2022

We all have two bean shaped organs in our body, called the kidney. The approximate size of each kidney is about a large fist size. The kidneys are located underneath our rib cage and one on each sight of our spine.

Our kidneys help to purify our blood by removing wastes and excess fluids to produce urine. Each of our kidneys has millions of tiny filters called nephrons. Usually, in every minute, our kidneys purify about a half cup of blood. They also help to make our bones strong, maintain the production of red blood cells, and the electrolytes levels in our body.

Essential workings of kidneys:

• Blood enters the kidneys via the renal artery from the heart.
• Blood gets filtered by going through the nephrons.
• The wastes then go across the ureter and stored as urine in the bladder.
• When the bladder gets full, the urine passes out the body through the urethra.
• Fresh or filtered blood returns to the bloodstream.

Critical kidney conditions:

• Kidney stones: Kidney stones are one of the most known and severe kidney conditions. Kidney stones may occur when the minerals from the urine become larger and from a stone, which may block the way of urine flow. In some cases, kidney stones can pass on their own with the flow of urine.
• Kidney cancer: There are many types of kidney cancer. However, one of the most common types of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma. Smoking is considered as the main cause of this type of kidney cancer.
• Polycystic kidney disease: This inherited kidney disease may occur when clusters of cysts develop in your kidneys, which may interfere in your kidney function.
• Pyelonephritis: Uncured bladder infection can spread bacteria, which can infect the kidneys. This infection usually causes back pain and fever.
• Glomerulonephritis: Overactive immune system can mistakenly attack your kidneys, which may cause inflammation and some damage to the kidneys. Glomerulonephritis over time may cause kidney failure.
• Chronic renal failure: In this condition your kidneys partially lose their ability to filter blood and produce urine. Diabetes and hypertension is the major reason for this kidney disorder.

To diagnose any kidney disorder, your doctor may give tests including urinalysis, blood tests, kidney biopsy, kidney ultrasound, CT scan, MRI scan, and ureteroscopy. Also, several kidney disease treatments are available, which treatment you need will depend on the severity of your condition.