Kidney: Difference between revisions

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The kidneys, along with&nbsp;the [[Lungs|lungs]]&nbsp;are one of the two major sets of paired organs in the body. They are located in the lower back, just below and to either side of&nbsp;the [[Vertebral column|vertebral column in]] an area known as the [[Retroperitoneal space|retroperitoneal space]]; the left kidney being situated slightly higher than the right due to its larger size. The main function of the kidneys is to clean and process the [[Blood|blood]]&nbsp;via the removal of waste products and excess [[Water|water]], The kidneys also have an [[Endocrine|endocrine]] function, as they produce and secrete [[Hormones|hormones]]&nbsp;such as&nbsp;[[erythropoietin|erythropoietin]]. &nbsp;<br>
The kidneys, along with&nbsp;the [[Lungs|lungs]]&nbsp;are one of the two major sets of paired organs in the body. They are located in the lower back, just below and to either side of&nbsp;the [[Vertebral column|vertebral column in]] an area known as the [[Retroperitoneal space|retroperitoneal space]]; the left kidney being situated slightly higher than the right due to its larger size. The main function of the kidneys is to clean and process the [[Blood|blood]]&nbsp;via the removal of waste products and excess [[Water|water]], The kidneys also have an [[Endocrine|endocrine]] function, as they produce and secrete [[Hormones|hormones]]&nbsp;such as&nbsp;[[Erythropoietin|erythropoietin]]. &nbsp;<br>  


== Causes of Kidney Failure  ==
== Causes of Kidney Failure  ==


=== ACUTE RENAL FAILURE  ===
=== Acute Renal Failure ===


==== Pre-renal cause  ====
==== Pre-renal cause  ====
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*Obstruction in the bladder / urethra, due to cancer, tumor or back pressure
*Obstruction in the bladder / urethra, due to cancer, tumor or back pressure


=== CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE ===
=== Chronic&nbsp;Renal Failure ===


*Unregulated [[Diabetes|diabetes]]  
*Unregulated [[Diabetes|diabetes]]  
*Unregulated high [[Blood pressure|blood pressure]]
*Unregulated high [[Blood pressure|blood pressure]]

Revision as of 16:12, 19 October 2012

The kidneys, along with the lungs are one of the two major sets of paired organs in the body. They are located in the lower back, just below and to either side of the vertebral column in an area known as the retroperitoneal space; the left kidney being situated slightly higher than the right due to its larger size. The main function of the kidneys is to clean and process the blood via the removal of waste products and excess water, The kidneys also have an endocrine function, as they produce and secrete hormones such as erythropoietin.  

Causes of Kidney Failure

Acute Renal Failure

Pre-renal cause

  • Blood loss
  • Dehydration
  • Diuretics
  • Obstruction in renal artery / vein

Renal causes

  • Sepsis, infection / inflammation
  • Medication, toxic to the kidney
  • Muscle break down

Post-renal cause

  • Obstruction in the bladder / urethra, due to cancer, tumor or back pressure

Chronic Renal Failure