Definition of Kidney
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, just below the ribcage.
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Structure of Kidney
The kidney is made up of three main parts
the renal cortex,
the renal medulla,
and the renal pelvis.
The renal cortex is the outer part of the kidney and contains most of the kidney's blood vessels.
The renal medulla is the inner part of the kidney and consists of a series of triangular structures called renal pyramids.
The renal pelvis is a funnel-shaped structure that collects urine from the renal pyramids and transports it to the ureter.
The kidney also contains millions of tiny filtering units called nephrons, which filter waste products from the blood and produce urine.
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Function of kidney
The kidneys have several important functions.
They are responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood to produce urine.
The kidneys also help regulate blood pressure, produce hormones that stimulate the production of red blood cells, and activate vitamin D to maintain strong bones.
They help regulate the balance of water and electrolytes in the body.
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Without properly functioning kidneys, the body would not be able to eliminate waste products, maintain fluid balance, or regulate blood pressure, which could lead to serious health problems.
Disease of kidney
There are several diseases that can affect the kidneys, including:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
This is a long-term condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to function properly.
It is often caused by conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
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- Acute kidney injury (AKI):
This is a sudden loss of kidney function that can occur as a result of an injury, infection, or certain medications.
These are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain when they pass through the urinary tract.
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD):
This is a genetic disorder in which fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys, causing them to enlarge and lose function over time.
- Glomerulonephritis:
This is a group of diseases that cause inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filters in the kidneys that remove waste products from the blood.
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- Urinary tract infections (UTIs):
These are infections that can occur in any part of the urinary tract, including the kidneys.
Medications for kidney
There are several medications that can be used to treat kidney disease or manage its symptoms.
The specific medications prescribed will depend on the underlying cause of the kidney disease and the symptoms experienced.
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Some common medications used to treat kidney disease include:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
inhibitors:
These medications help relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure, which can help protect the kidneys from further damage.
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs):
These medications work in a similar way to ACE inhibitors and are often used to treat high blood pressure and protect the kidneys.
- Diuretics:
These medications help increase urine production and remove excess fluid from the body, which can help reduce swelling and lower blood pressure.
- Phosphate binders:
These medications help control levels of phosphorus in the blood, which can be elevated in kidney disease.
- Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs):
These medications stimulate the production of red blood cells and may be used to treat anemia caused by kidney disease.
- Immunosuppressants:
These medications help suppress the immune system and may be used to treat certain types of kidney disease, such as glomerulonephritis or autoimmune kidney disease.
