Kidney Function Blood Test

Basic Functions of the Kidneys

The majority of people have two kidneys, which perform several vital functions such as:

• Blood filtration: Kidneys filter and clean blood in order to eliminate waste products through urine.
• Acid removal: Kidneys eliminate acids released by some cells in the body.
• Electrolyte and mineral balance: They regulate salts, water, and key minerals like sodium, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium in the blood.
• Vitamin D production: Kidneys help produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone health.
• Hormone regulation: They assist in producing hormones that help control blood pressure.

Kidneys are usually irreplaceable, unlike organs such as the tonsils, appendix, spleen, gall bladder, or even one of your lungs, as well as certain lymph nodes, the fibula bones in your legs, or six ribs. While you can live a relatively normal life without these parts, kidney failure tends to be fatal without dialysis or a transplant.

Kidneys are vital to your health. Regular check-ups to ensure they are functioning properly are one of the most important steps you can take for your well-being.

Main Causes of Kidney Problems

Kidney issues can result from a variety of factors, with the most common causes including:

• Diabetes: With time, high levels of blood sugar can impair the blood vessels in the kidneys and result in diabetic nephropathy.
• High blood pressure (hypertension): Can harm the small blood vessels in the kidneys and minimize their capacity to function effectively.
• Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the filtering units (glomeruli), often caused by autoimmune diseases, infections, or other disorders.
• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): A genetic disorder in which cysts clusters form in the kidneys, possibly causing kidney damage.
• Drug: Prolonged use of NSAIDs or specific antibiotics can impair kidney function.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Serious or persistent infections that spread to the upper urinary tract can damage the kidneys.
• Autoimmune diseases: Disorders such as lupus or IgA nephropathy that cause the immune system to mistakenly attack the kidneys can result in injury.
• Dehydration: Intense dehydration can limit blood flow to the kidneys, potentially resulting in acute kidney injury.
• Age-related changes: Kidney function often declines with age; this makes older adults more prone to kidney-related issues.