Kidney disease is a serious health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Often called a “silent killer,” kidney disease can progress without obvious symptoms until significant damage has occurred. In this blog post, we’ll explore what kidney disease is, its types, causes, signs to watch for, and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
Understanding Kidney Function
Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of your spine, just below your ribcage. Each day, they filter about 50 gallons of blood to remove waste, balance fluids, regulate blood pressure, and produce hormones that help control red blood cell production and bone health.
What is Kidney Disease?
Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to function properly. This can happen suddenly (acute kidney injury) or gradually over time (chronic kidney disease or CKD). If left untreated, kidney disease can progress to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive