KIDNEY

Kidney Diseases

Kidneys are a pair of organs shaped like beans and about the size of a fist. These organs are located below the ribs and each one is next to the spine.

Healthy kidneys are able to filter almost half a cup of blood every minute. This organ functions to excrete any waste material and excess fluid and form urine.

Urine will then flow from the kidney to the bladder through a small tube known as the ureter. All urine will be stored in the bladder before being removed from the body.

This organ not only removes toxins and excess fluid from the body, it also removes acid produced by the cells and maintains the balance of water, salt and minerals in the blood.

You are more at risk of developing kidney disease if you have diabetes or high blood pressure.

If this organ is injured, all waste materials and fluids cannot be removed normally. These substances will accumulate and cause the patient to experience symptoms such as ankle swelling, nausea, fatigue, difficulty sleeping and shortness of breath.

Common kidney disease

There are 3 types of kidney disease, namely chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney failure and kidney cyst.

• Chronic kidney disease
• Kidney failure
• Kidney cyst