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
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.
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 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.
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.
|