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Written by Samerah Guro-Razuman, M.D.
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Wednesday, 03 September 2003 |
Being a specialist in the diseases of the kidneys, I thought it may be worthwhile to share some facts regarding this organ.
Unless abnormal, everyone has two kidneys. That is why we can donate one of our kidneys to somebody who does not have functioning ones. It is bean-shaped and located in our flanks or sides. It hurts only when there is a stone lodged in it specifically within its tubes, or when there is an infection. Otherwise, we may never know something is wrong with it until the disease is fully advanced or a blood test shows that the kidney function tests are abnormal.
The kidney function tests are composed of the creatinine, a muscle by-product and the blood urea nitrogen ,also a metabolism by-product. The kidneys serve as our filters and are therefore involved in the processing of proteins, water, salt, and other electrolytes. It also has hormonal effects. For example, it produces erythropoietin which is involved in stimulating the bone marrow to make red blood cells. In other words, its absence can lead to anemia or low blood count to the point where blood transfusion may be needed. It is also involved in the conversion of vitamin D to its active form, the absence of which leads to bone disease, among others.
The usual symptoms of problematic kidneys include leg swelling, poor appetite, vomiting and weakness. This symptoms are very non-specific meaning it can also be seen in other diseases and that the only means of finding out how the kidneys are functioning would be thru a blood test, urine test and ultrasound of the kidneys.
The good news is that it is treatable. Some causes of kidney diseases are in curable (meaning they could disappear with treatment), but others require lifelong therapy. If end-stage, choices include dialysis or transplant. Except for the expense, transplant is the best course of treatment as it eventually enables one to lead a normal life.
Dialysis has two types-peritoneal (done thru the abdomen) or hemodialysis (thru the blood). It actually involves cleaning out the body from the toxins and removing fluids thru artificial kidneys. Peritoneal dialysis can be done at home by the patient but is done daily, while hemodialysis is usually done in a dialysis center.
The most common causes of kidney disease are diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure and so if afflicted by the above common diseases, it is highly suggested that screening for kidney failure should be done.
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(Editor’s note: If you have any health questions, feel free to ask our resident Moro doctor. You can send your questions to
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