Kidney problems
Kidney Problems
Kidney problems refer to any disorder or disease that affects the kidney's function. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, below the ribs. They are responsible for filtering waste products, excess water, and other impurities from the blood. These waste products are stored in the bladder and later expelled through urine.
Pronunciation
Kidney: /ˈkidni/ Problems: /ˈprɒbləmz/
Etymology
The term "kidney" comes from the Old English word "cwiðe", which means "belly" or "womb". The term "problem" originates from the Late Latin word "problema", which is derived from the Greek "problema" meaning "an obstacle".
Types of Kidney Problems
There are several types of kidney problems, including:
- Kidney stones: Hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys.
- Kidney infection: An infection that occurs in the kidneys, often due to bacteria that have spread from the bladder.
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term damage to the kidneys that can worsen over time, leading to kidney failure.
- Polycystic kidney disease: An inherited disorder where clusters of cysts develop within your kidneys.
- Kidney failure: A condition where the kidneys lose their ability to sufficiently filter waste from your blood.
Symptoms
Symptoms of kidney problems can vary depending on the specific condition. However, common symptoms include:
- Pain in the side or back
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Frequent urination
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Swelling of the hands and feet due to fluid build-up (edema)
Treatment
Treatment for kidney problems depends on the specific condition and its severity. Treatments may include medication, lifestyle changes, dialysis, or in severe cases, kidney transplant.
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