You and Your
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Understanding your kidney problem
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.
Browse other sites related to kidney
problems by using the convenient search box below
Learn About Your Kidneys and
Bladder
 This 30 page electronic book on the kidneys and
bladder offers easy-to-find and easy-to-understand
information about bladder and kidney problems
which affect millions of people around the world. Simple
descriptions, written in non-medical language, that will
help you understand important facts you need
about these two very important organs.
Click here to learn
more
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