Kidney

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The kidneys, along with the <a href="Lungs">lungs</a> 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 <a href="Vertebral column">vertebral column in</a> an area known as the <a href="Retroperitoneal space">retroperitoneal space</a>; 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 <a href="Blood">blood</a> via the removal of waste products and excess <a href="Water">water</a>, The kidneys also have an <a href="Endocrine">endocrine</a> function, as they produce and secrete <a href="Hormones">hormones</a> such as <a href="Erythropoietin">erythropoietin</a>.  

Causes of Kidney Failure

Acute Renal Failure

Pre-renal cause

  • Blood loss
  • Dehydration
  • <a href="Diuretic">Diuretics</a>
  • Obstruction in renal artery / vein

Renal causes

  • Sepsis, infection / inflammation
  • Medication, toxic to the <a href="Kidney" class="selflink">kidney</a>
  • Muscle break down

Post-renal cause

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

Chronic Renal Failure

  • Unregulated <a href="Diabetes">diabetes</a>
  • Unregulated high <a href="Blood pressure">blood pressure</a>
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