| |
THE KIDNEYS & KIDNEY FAILURE
THE KIDNEY
 The kidneys are bean shaped organs found in the back of the body, just above the waist. Each of the two kidneys is about the size of a fist. They have several functions that are critical to health and life. The kidneys:
- Help regulate blood pressure,
- Help maintain the chemical and fluid balance of the body,
- Help get rid of excess waste products and extra fluid,
- Help tell the body when red blood cells are needed.
Waste products and extra fluids are filtered from the blood as it passes though the kidneys. Filtered waste products and fluid are gotten rid of in the urine. The kidneys reabsorb or save other elements that the body needs.
KIDNEY FAILURE
Kidney failure is when the kidneys are unable to function enough to maintain life. Different diseases or injuries can cause kidney failure. Some possible causes of kidney failure are:
- Infection
- Diabetes
- Long term high blood pressure
- Hereditary diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease,
- Any disease that decreases blood flow to organs
- Abnormal structure or blockage of the kidneys/urinary tract,
- Injury or trauma to the kidneys or urinary tract,
- Poisoning or exposure to toxic substances.
Sometimes the exact cause of kidney failure is not determined. You can ask your doctor about the cause of your kidney failure.
When the kidneys fail there is a build up of waste products and excess fluid. This build up of waste products is called uremia. Some symptoms of uremia are:
- Dry skin that may itch,
- Tiredness or fatique,
- Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite,
- Build up or retention of fluid (swelling, shortness of breath).
Many people still make urine when they start dialysis, but not enough to get rid of all the water products and extra fluid. Life can be maintained with only 10-15% of kidney function.
Once the kidney function drops below that level, some kind of renal replacement therapy is needed. You have been referred to Asia Renal Care because you need Renal Replacement Therapy.
|
|
