Reviewed by Dr. Clement J. Cheng
The kidneys are fist-sized, bean-shaped organs located near the middle of the back. Their role within the body is to remove toxins and excess fluid. The kidneys process approximately 200 quarts of blood to sift out about 2 quarts of waste products (which come from normal breakdown of active muscle and food) and extra water daily. The waste and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The bladder stores urine until it leaves the body.
When the kidneys become diseased or damaged, they may lose their ability to perform these functions. Toxins and excess fluids build up inside the body, and if left untreated, may lead to kidney failure. Loss of kidney function is a potentially fatal condition.
Kidney disease can be classified in two ways: chronic or acute.
- Chronic kidney disease comes on gradually over several years and may not show symptoms until considerable damage to the kidneys has been done. Chronic kidney disease is most often the result of another condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or atherosclerosis. All of these disorders impede the flow of blood within the kidneys.
Some chronic kidney diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease, are inherited. Others are congenital, or the result of a malformation a person is born with and that predisposes the person to kidney disorders.
Chronic kidney disease can also be the product of long-term exposure to toxic chemicals or drugs, such as heroin. Some doctors also believe that excess Vitamin D and protein in diets of the elderly or ill may harm the kidneys.
- Acute kidney disease develops within a matter of days after the onset of a medical condition, such as heart attack, injury, or infection, that reduces the flow of blood to the kidneys. Toxic reaction to a drug, inhaling toxins, and poisonous mushrooms, can also bring on kidney disease.
Kidney disease is diagnosed with blood tests, urine tests, and ultrasound. If the diagnosis is unclear after these tests, a biopsy of the kidney tissue may be required.
