Get to know the role and function of the kidneys

Get to know the role and function of the kidneys.

Humans have two kidneys, located on the back under the ribs at the waist. They are shaped like beans and are about 10-13 centimeters in size in adults. Their function is to remove waste and excess water from the blood and release it as urine. Inside the kidneys are many kidney units or nephrons, namely 1 million on each side. Renal units deteriorate with age and cannot be created to replace what is lost.

Kidneys have three important functions.

1. Eliminate various wastes through urine, including urea (BUN), creatinine, uric acid, drugs and various foreign substances. It can also reabsorb substances that are beneficial to the body, such as sugar and protein.
2. Maintain the balance of water and สนใจสมัคร? คลิกที่นี่เพื่อเริ่มต้น salt in the blood in normal levels. Minerals include sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate and acid in the body.
3. Produces many hormones such as:
   1. Substances that stimulate the bone marrow to produce red blood cells, such as erythropoietin.
   2. Bone-building substances include vitamin D, which increases calcium absorption in the intestines and kidneys.
   3. Substances that control blood pressure, such as renin, which causes blood pressure levels to rise.

What is kidney failure?

Kidney failure or kidney disease is a condition. Which kidney function decreases. Kidney failure can be divided into two types:

1. Acute renal failure is a condition in which kidney function rapidly declines. In some cases, it can be so severe that temporary dialysis is required. With proper care and treatment, the kidneys can return to normal function.
2. Chronic renal failure, or chronic disease, is a condition in which kidney function continues to decline for more than 3 months. Even with proper treatment, the kidneys cannot return to normal function. Chronic kidney disease is like a staircase with many levels. The stages of chronic kidney disease can be divided into 5 stages, starting from stages 1-5 when the kidneys deteriorate more, until stage 5 or end-stage renal failure, which is the stage that requires renal replacement therapy, including permanent hemodialysis, permanent peritoneal dialysis, or a kidney transplant. Patients in this stage will present with the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, exhaustion, anemia due to a lack of erythropoietin hormone, increased swelling, decreased urine output, inability to lie flat, pulmonary edema, seizures, etc. How can I know when my kidneys are failing and at what stage of kidney failure am I? When do I need to prepare for hemodialysis? These questions are often asked. Let’s start with the answers to what causes kidney failure and how to start a diagnosis to prevent rapid kidney deterioration.