Kidney disease occurs when the tiny filtering units in the kidneys, called nephrons, are damaged.
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, which are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. Each kidney has about a million tiny structures called nephrons. The nephrons are the actual filtering units of the kidney, which remove wastes and extra water from the blood. Waste products and excess water comprises the urine. Urine flows from the kidneys to the urinary bladder through tubes called ureters. The bladder stores the urine until it is passed out of the body during urination.
When the nephrons are damaged, the kidneys will be unable to remove wastes and extra water. Kidney disease usually develops slowly over years, which can present no obvious symptoms.
Kidney disease can be caused by a variety of conditions. You are at risk of developing kidney disease if you have
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- a close family member with kidney disease
Related Topic:
For More Information:
Kidney Disease Overview (National Kidney Disease Education Program)
Your Kidneys and How They Work (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
Your Kidneys and How They Work (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
