Got a Kidney Problem?

Kidney (Renal) Health Articles and Information

Many people go through life without ever suffering a kidney problem. But anyone who has had to live with any kind of kidney problem--kidney stones, a kidney infection, or kidney cancer--knows how such health concerns can impact everyday living.

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that are located inside the body, near the bottom of the rib cage. There's one on each side. 

A kidney is brownish-red in color, and it's primary function is to filter waste materials and toxins from the blood. It does this by producing urine.

Another function of the kidneys is to produce certain hormones related to keeping bones strong and healthy, and helping with the creation of certain red blood cells.

"Renal" is a term that's often used by medical professionals in relation to the human kidney and kidney problems. 

Common renal or kidney problems

Toxins to build up when your kidneys aren't functioning properly. This causes fluids to accumulate, reduces the production of red blood cells and can trigger a dangerous rise in blood pressure.

The most common kidney problems include

Kidney stones

A kidney stone is a pebble-like substance. Kidney stones form in the urinary tract from crystals that are typically present in urine. These crystals build up inside the kidney and eventually begin to work their way down into the ureters. Kidney stones can cause extreme pain in the flank or lower area of the back.

Kidney infection

There are several different kinds of kidney infections. Generally these infections actually develop when germs from the bladder travel upwards to the kidneys and begin to grow in numbers.

Kidney disease 

Kidney disease results from a number of causes, but generally speaking, it occurs when there is damage to the nephrons. Nephrons are the structures that filter blood.

Kidney cancer

Several different types of cancer can develop in the kidneys from a variety of causes. These are discussed in detail, along with symptoms and treatment options, in the article on kidney cancers.

The most serious forms of kidney problems may cause kidney failure, which may require kidney surgery or removal, kidney dialysis,  or in the most serious cases, kidney transplantation.

Also see kidney problem symptoms.