Introduction
The kidneys are a filtering organ. When they are impaired, many diseases can develop. The two main causes of kidney diseases are hypertension and diabetes. Other culprits are infections, poisons and heredity. Some diseases are manageable and curable like kidney stones, but some conditions are far more serious and can lead to kidney failure, dialysis and possibly a kidney transplant for life-threatening diseases. The symptoms of kidney disease include too much or too little urine, swelling of the legs and tiredness. Seeing a nephrologist, a doctor who specializes in treating the kidneys, is the first step to a proper diagnosis. .
The Function of the Kidneys
There are two kidneys near the middle of the back. They are about the size of an adult fist. The kidneys are a filtration system that cleans the blood. After a person eats food, the nutrients are absorbed by the body. What is not used or needed by the body is sent to the blood stream for removal. Each day the kidneys filter the blood, removing wastes and excess fluids. These waste products are stored in the bladder and later released from the body as urine.
When the kidneys no longer function properly, dialysis is used to filter the blood. Most kidney diseases are the result of damage to the nephrons which are small units in the kidneys that filter the blood. There are one million nephrons in each kidney.
Hypertension and Kidney Disease
Hypertension is one the leading causes of kidney disease. In hypertension (or high blood pressure), the blood flows through the vessels and arteries with too much pressure or force. This is caused by either too narrow blood vessels or too much fluid in the vessels. Hypertension is manageable. However, if it is left untreated, it leads to damaged or weakened blood vessels in the kidneys. This makes filtration difficult.
Diabetes and Kidney Disease
Diabetes is another major cause of kidney disease. There are a few types of diabetes. With this condition, there is too much sugar or glucose in the blood as a result of the body's inability to make enough insulin. The hormone insulin regulates the glucose levels. Long-term diabetes can lead to diabetic nephropathy which damages or destroys the nephrons due to excessive amounts of blood glucose being filtered.
Other Causes of Kidney Disease
Primary diseases like lupus can lead to kidney problems as can various types of infections. Hereditary conditions like polycystic kidney disease (the kidneys have many cysts) also leads to kidney damage. Atherosclerosis, also known as clogging or hardening of the arteries, is a cause of kidney disease in some people. Other causes of kidney disease are an enlarged prostate, sickle cell anemia and HIV infection. Even taking over-the-counter pain relievers for long periods of time can cause kidney disease. Ibuprofens like Motrin and acetaminophens like Tylenol are two examples.
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