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Functioning kidneys filter about half a cup of blood every minute. It removes extra waste and extra water from the blood to make urine. This urine then flows to the bladder from the kidneys. The bladder stores the urine and when there is enough pressure, you release it out of your body.
Aside from removing extra waste and fluids from your body, your kidneys also remove the acid that is produced by the cells of your body. It also helps your body maintain a healthy balance between water, salts and other minerals such as sodium, phosphorus, potassium and calcium, in your blood. The kidneys also make hormones that control your blood pressure, make red blood cells and keep your bones healthy and strong.
Different types of kidney problems
Your kidneys may get damaged, becoming incapable of performing their functions. This damage may be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure or other chronic conditions. The kidney damage further causes problems like nerve damage, malnutrition and weak bones. If the condition worsens, your kidneys may stop working altogether. In such cases, dialysis performs the function of the kidneys. The dialysis treatment filters and purifies the blood via a machine. You may get the dialysis done twice or thrice a week, as long as you live.
Some symptoms of kidney diseases include
- Chronic fatigue
- Sleeplessness or trouble sleeping
- High blood pressure
- Blood in urine
- Muscle cramps
- Swelling ankles or feet
- Infrequent urination
A big problem with kidney disease may be that even if 10% of your kidneys are functioning, you may go on with your life without realising. Therefore, it is extremely critical that you get your kidney test done as soon as some of the symptoms begin to manifest.