The ability of the body to continue its life in a healthy way depends on the protection and maintenance of the functions of certain organs to the maximum extent. In this sense, our kidneys have an important place among these organs that can be considered as vital. The kidneys play a very important role in the production of substances that contribute to the physiological functioning of the body, as the basic elements of the excretory system, in terms of blood circulation and mineral balance. In this direction, the diseases that affect the kidneys as well as their functions vary.
What is Kidney Disease?
The kidneys are located behind the abdominal cavity, just below the rib cage, on both sides. The kidneys not only filter the blood fluid coming to the tissues thanks to their intense blood circulation, and ensure that harmful substances are excreted through the urine, but also ensure that the excess water and minerals in the blood are removed from the body. In this sense, it is responsible for the production of urine and forms the basis of the excretory system through the urinary tract. In this respect, the functions of the kidney directly affect the physiological balance of the rest of the body's systems and ensure the maintenance of body health. Again, the kidneys are the production center of hormones such as erythropoietin, which triggers the production of blood cells, and active form of vitamin D, which is one of the main regulators of bone metabolism.
Kidney diseases; It occurs as a result of disruption of the mechanisms related to the above-mentioned functions of the kidneys. In this sense, a wide range of kidney health-related problems can be seen. Diseases may be limited to the blood vessels of the kidneys, or they may focus on different regions such as kidney tissue, urinary tract, and the hormone production systems of the kidney. levels may increase, protein leakage may be observed with the passage of blood proteins whose levels should be maintained in the urine, or kidney-derived hormone levels may increase. decrease may be experienced.
What is Kidney?
Kidneys; It is a pair of fist-sized, bean-shaped organs located behind the posterior wall of the abdominal cavity, just below the rib cage, on either side of the spine. It receives direct circulatory support from the aorta, which is the main artery of the body, and sends the dirty blood to the lower main vein of the body through its related vessels. In this sense, it connects with the ureter, bladder and urethra regions, which are among the other parts of the urinary tract, through the large urine collection area called the pelvis, which is accepted as the beginning of the urinary tract. In addition to being the area where various hormones necessary for the body are produced, the kidney tissue also establishes a neighborhood with the adrenal glands located on both kidneys.
Where is the Kidney Located?
organs are generally arranged in a certain order in the thoracic cavity and abdominal cavity. However, during the development of the body in the womb, some organs migrate to the area called the retroperitoneal space behind the posterior wall of the abdominal cavity. The kidneys are located on both sides of the spine in this area, in the neighborhood of the muscle, nerve, fat and connective tissues forming the posterior abdominal wall.
Anterior part of the kidneys; It is adjacent to the posterior wall of the peritoneal membrane lining the abdominal cavity. In this membrane, there are stomach, spleen, pancreas and liver at kidney level; The posterior part of the kidneys is adjacent to the last two ribs of the thorax and the nerves that disperse from the spinal cord to the related regions in the lower abdomen. Urinary tracts coming out of the kidneys again move towards the lower parts of the abdomen at the level of the posterior abdominal wall and unite with the bladder by moving from the inner part of the pelvis bone.
What Does the Kidney Do?
The basic function of the kidneys; blood reaching the kidneys through the arteries from the aorta; It is the filtration of the kidneys by the special capillaries (glomeruli) and the removal of waste materials such as urea, uric acid, which are considered harmful to the body, and water, minerals, electrolytes and some chemical products that are high in the blood for the body through urine. In this regard, the kidneys are where the urinary fluid is produced.
Kidneys detect and measure different parameters such as pH value of blood, blood pressure, electrolyte and mineral levels, amount of blood proteins, blood sugar, and ensure that they are protected at ideal levels for blood. Excess substances pass into the urine and are removed from the body. The acid-base balance of the blood and blood pressure are mainly regulated by the kidneys.
In conditions where blood pressure rises, the kidney provides balance by excretion of excess mineral and water through urine; When low blood pressure is experienced, it reduces water excretion and provides mineral supplements. Again, in acid-base disorders that develop due to various physiological events or lung, the kidney plays a complementary role and maintains the blood balance. In this way, in cases where anemia develops in the blood (for example, blood loss, iron deficiency or vitamin deficiencies), it provides red blood cell production by increasing EPO secretion and regulates oxygen transport in the blood. where the form is produced. This hormone, also known as 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol; Vitamin D, which is supplied to the body through nutrition or sunlight from the skin, is produced in the kidneys after the first metabolism in the liver and the storage of calcium and phosphorus ions in the bones; It enables mechanisms such as the absorption of these minerals from the intestines.
What Features Does a Healthy Kidney Have?
In conditions where kidneys operate healthy, when people consume an average of 2 liters of fluid, it is in the range of 0.8 to 2 liters per day. produces urine. This range can be reduced to 500 liters or increased to 2500 liters in extreme conditions. Apart from these values, the amount of urine may indicate certain health problems. Again, urine is produced in the density, clarity and color determined by studies. In this sense, blood pH is between 7.35 and 7.45; blood pressure averages 120/80 It is determined in mmHg. Blood creatinine level, urea level, which is known clinically as kidney function test; Blood levels of minerals such as sodium, potassium, chlorine, calcium, and phosphorus are within specified ranges. the bones that make up the skeletal system have sufficient mineral content and are strong; blood calcium and phosphorus levels are at the required level.
What Symptoms Can Kidney Diseases Cause?
Since kidney-related health problems vary considerably, various symptoms may occur in the clinical picture. In this respect, it is possible to encounter the following symptoms in kidney diseases:
- Weakness – fatigue,
- Blurred consciousness,
- Diffuse edema and swelling in the limbs, which are more common in the lower parts of the body, Edema and swelling around the eyes due to lying position in the morning, Urinating very little,
- Blood in the urine, dark colored urine,
- Burning or pain while urinating,
- Low back pain or pain in the lower abdominal quadrants,
- Loss of appetite, nausea-vomiting, diarrhea or constipation,
- Muscle and joint pains
- Sexual dysfunction, sexual reluctance
- Chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, lupus that cause kidney damage,
- Has a family history of chronic kidney disease ,
- Old people,
- People with various ethnic characteristics such as African, Hispanic, Asian.
What Diseases Can Be Seen in the Kidneys ?
In cases where kidney diseases are suspected, the patient is referred to Nephrology, which is the kidney diseases department. In this section, the nephrologist, a doctor of kidney diseases, takes care of the patient. Lots of clinical He has severe kidney disease. In this article, frequently encountered diseases are mentioned.
Depending on the affected tissues, diseases with different clinical features and mechanisms may occur. In this respect, the most common kidney diseases in the community can be summarized as follows:
Chronic Kidney Disease
The most common kidney disease is chronic kidney disease or chronic kidney failure. It is usually seen as a result of tissue damage due to long-term health problems in the kidney tissue, as well as disruption of kidney functions and permanent regression. Hypertension and diabetes are among the most common causes in the community. As a result, the kidney does not produce enough urine and the blood levels of harmful substances that need to be removed from the body increase. referred to as acute renal failure. Acute renal failure may be corrected by removing the cause of kidney damage. Although it does not cause permanent damage to kidney functions; If left untreated, it can develop into chronic kidney failure. The main problem here is that the glomeruli and urinary channels responsible for urine production are damaged and temporarily lose their function.
Kidney stone
The pelvic region that connects the kidney with the urinary tract and along the urinary tract; Kidney stones may occur as a result of the condensation of the minerals in the urine content for various reasons and their precipitation and petrification on the tissues. Kidney stones can cause blockage in tissues as well as physically damage the urinary tract. Urine fluid that accumulates as a result of the blockage can become infected over time and result in serious urinary tract infections. Urine accumulated in long-term obstructions can damage the kidney tissue and lead to kidney failure.
Urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections occur when the tissues in the urinary tract are infected by bacteria, viruses or fungi. urinary tract infections
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