Before talking about diseased kidneys we start with the basics. What are our kidneys? What are they? How many do we have? What role do they play in keeping us healthy.
Our kidneys are bean shaped organ about the size of our fists, found in our flanks or lower back. Normally we have two kidneys, one kidney on each other side.
What our kidneys do
Our kidneys are best known for making urine, which is formed within the tiny sub units of the kidneys. Each kidney has an outlet for urine called ureter. The two uterers drain in to our bladder which stores our urine until we ready to urinate out.of our urethras.
Urine is produced when our kidneys filter our blood. This process occur 24 hours a day and through it, excess watwr and waste are removed from the blood. Aside from making urine, our kidneys have other important function inluding:
Regulation of salts in the body
Removing drugs and toxins
Regulating the density and strenghts ofnour bones
Blood pressure regulation and
Promotion of red blood cell production.
When kidneys get sick
When a person has chronic kidney disease (CKD) his/her kidneys are damaged and are less able to perform their role in the body's health.
The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is a score that your doctor can compute to assess the health of your kidneys. A score of less than 60 for more than 3 months can signify CKD.
Causes of chronic kidney disease
Diabetes and hypertension are two of the most common cause of chronic kidney disease. There are many other conditions that can lead to CKD but a lot of them are rare. Here are some of the more common conditions that can put you on a risk.
Diabetes is a condition that causes uncontrolled increased in blood sugar. If blood sugar unregulated it can cause damage in many parts of the body including the kidneys. It is the most common cause of CKD.
Hypertension can cause kidney damage if blood pressure is not kept under control through medication, exercise.and diet.
Polycystic Kidney Disease is a condition that cause multiple cysts that eventually enlarge in both kidneys. It is common most inheritable cause of CKD. Take note that not all cysts mean polycystic kidney disease. This can be diagnosed based on ultrasound which show at least three or five cysts in each kidney. It can occur at any age but most frequently cause symptoms when people reach their 30s to 40s. Chronic plank pain from enlarging kidney may be promint.
Glomerulonephritis is a disease that can cause malfuntion of microscopic glometuli which are parts of the nephrons. Kidney failure from this disease may develop either gradually or suddenly.
Kidney stones in any part of urinary tract can cause kidney damage if the obstruct the flow of urine. Blockage caused by stones can cause pressure build up or infections that may lead to kidney damage.
Mechanical obstructions to the flow urine can cause damage to the kidneys. Examples of mechanical obstructions include enlarged prostrates (in men) and cervical cancer (in women).
Urinary tract infections usually come from microbes that can travel up the uretha into our kidneys from the urinary tract. Some congenital abnormalities in the urinary tract can make you prone to UTI.
Drugs sold over the counter (many pain medications) and illegaly (heroin,shabu) can cause kidney damage through prolonged and contionous use.
Ill post more updates about kidney health soon.
