Kidneys Are Vital to Your Health

Your kidneys are located on either side of the spine behind the abdominal organs. They are protected by the ribs in the back. Every day, they perform functions vital to your health. Your kidneys:

• Produce urine
• Filter waste and toxins
• Regulate salt, water and acid
• Help control blood pressure
• Release hormones that help make red blood cells

Also called kidney failure or renal failure, chronic kidney disease can result from conditions that include:

Diabetes

A disorder of the pancreas, diabetes causes an increased level of sugar in the blood. Symptoms of diabetes include extreme thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision and confusion.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects the arteries and blood vessels. It increases the risk factor for developing kidney disease, heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease, the narrowing of blood vessels in the arms or legs.

Urinary tract diseases

These affect the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureter, bladder and urethra. Although many forms of kidney disease don't show symptoms until the disease is advanced, there may be warning signs.

Heriditary disorders and congenital birth defects

Hereditary disorders include polycystic kidney disease and spina bifida. Congenital birth defects include being born with only a single kidney or deformities of the kidney, ureter, urethra or bladder.

Kidney tumors

These may be noncancerous or cancerous growths originating from kidney tissue, such as renal cell carcinoma and Wilms' tumor.

Kidney failure

Left untreated, chronic kidney failure leads to end-stage renal disease. At this point, the kidney has less than 10 percent normal function. Dialysis or transplant is necessary to sustain life. Symptoms of kidney failure include:

• Blood in the urine
• Decreased urination
• Dry, itchy skin
• Frequent infections
• Increasing blood pressure
• Swelling of the hands and feet

If you're facing kidney failure, our kidney transplant team will thoroughly assess your condition to determine your best option for treatment and address all your questions. Should you need a kidney transplant, we'll provide expert care and support before, during and after your kidney transplant.