The key role of the kidney is to remove toxins, waste, and excess water from the bloodstream to be carried out of the system through the urine. The kidneys help produce red blood cells and turn vitamin D into an active form, for the body to use.
When the kidneys are diseased, they are damaged and can’t function to filter and purify the blood.
The risk of kidney disease increases with chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
The most common kidney diseases include kidney stones, polycystic kidneys, urinary tract infections, acute kidney injury, kidney cysts, and kidney cancer.
Diagnostic tests for kidney problems include mainly a blood test. The blood test measures creatinine levels which is a waste product.
Treatment options include dialysis and kidney transplant.