Kidneyrelated

Kidney-related refers to topics connected with the kidneys, their physiology, pathology, and clinical care. The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located in the back of the abdomen. Their primary function is to filter blood, removing waste products and excess fluids to form urine. They also regulate electrolyte and acid-base balance, help control blood pressure through the renin-angiotensin system, produce erythropoietin to stimulate red blood cell formation, and activate vitamin D.

Each kidney contains about a million nephrons, the functional units. Blood enters through the renal arteries, is filtered at the glomerulus, and the filtrate undergoes selective reabsorption and secretion along the renal tubules. Waste and excess substances are excreted as urine, which collects in the renal pelvis and flows to the bladder.

Common kidney-related conditions include chronic kidney disease, defined by a reduced glomerular filtration rate or albumin in the urine; acute kidney injury, a sudden loss of kidney function; nephrolithiasis (kidney stones); glomerulonephritis; and inherited disorders such as polycystic kidney disease. Risk factors include diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, aging, smoking, and obesity.

Diagnosis relies on laboratory tests such as serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinalysis, imaging studies, and sometimes kidney biopsy. Treatments vary by condition and may involve blood pressure and glucose control, medications, hydration, dialysis for advanced disease, or kidney transplantation. Prevention emphasizes maintaining kidney perfusion and protection from injury, healthy hydration, and avoiding nephrotoxic substances.

Research in kidney-related medicine covers nephrology practice, renal imaging, biomarkers, and advances in dialysis technology and transplantation. The term encompasses both normal kidney function and disease, as well as the clinical approach to preserving renal health.