3. Kidneys

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that are located in a space behind the abdominal cavity, near the lower back. They form the upper part of the urinary system and are connected to the bladder through two cylindrical structures called ureters.

These five-inch organs are vital as they function as filters for the blood that circulates through their very complicated system of tubules. In addition, they secrete hormones that activate the formation of some blood cells and regulate blood pressure. The kidneys absorb the metabolites needed by the body and dispose of the rest as urine. I have always thought that the greatest act of love a person can show another person is to donate a kidney to them since these organs are in charge of all those functions. Also, they are very delicate organs that can be affected by tiny changes, such as salt consumption or indiscriminate intake of NSAIDs. Donating a kidney is an act that still produces a lot of amazement and respect every time I see it.

OpenStax College, CC BY 3.0

OpenStax College, CC BY 3.0

Before I discuss any renal pathology, it is important that you are clear about how to take care of your kidneys so you can prevent some conditions and stop some processes that may be starting without your knowledge. Kidneys are vengeful enemies when they feel mistreated. When you don’t stay well hydrated, they can form stones that block the ureters and hurt; if you consume too much sodium, the kidneys can’t do their job of replacing electrolytes well, and blood pressure begins to rise. When the kidney is damaged, no matter how small, the consequences can be serious in the long run. Here are some tips for healthy kidneys: • Stay hydrated: Always remember that all cells throughout the body require water to function properly. There is a campaign in favor of hydration, which uses the empirical calculation of drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water during the day, and that’s fine. However, the hydration of each person should be met according to his or her level of physical activity, associated

pathological conditions, and the climate in which the person lives, among other factors. If you don’t want complicated calculations, eight to ten glasses of eight ounces is enough to keep you healthy. And if you practice any sport, even if you don’t sweat, you must replace those losses. • Watch your blood pressure: After the age of 40, you should keep an eye on your blood pressure levels. When the elevation of pressure is slow and chronic, the body adapts to this pathology without you having any noticeable symptoms.

However, these adaptations cause serious damage to many important organs, such as the brain, heart, and kidneys. Measuring blood pressure once or twice a month to know what value the body is managing is of utmost importance. If high blood pressure is just beginning, you can start treatment in time. • Watch your blood sugar: Like blood pressure, sugar levels can rise slowly but steadily over time without any serious symptoms until there is already irreparable damage to some organs.

The kidneys and eyes are most severely affected by rising blood sugar. That is why it is important to check it from time to time. • Limits your salt intake: Almost all of the sodium we need to consume is in our food without adding more salt. The daily limit of salt, according to experts, is less than one tablespoon.

However, some of the excess we consume is diluted with the water we drink.

The excess sodium does not allow the kidneys to perform their sodium and potassium replacement functions properly, which has negative consequences on blood pressure and hormone secretion.

The symptoms of kidney diseases are quite general, so the diagnosis is made by comparing the medical interview, the patient’s symptoms, and the physical examination. Swelling of the feet and ankles, the sensation of fluid retention, swollen eyelids, and decreased urine flow are some of the symptoms presented by patients with kidney problems. The appearance of the urine is also important. Foamy urine is almost always related to damage of the kidney cells. Nocturia and polyuria are two kidney symptoms that must also be taken into account. The first is the increase in urinary frequency during sleep, and the second is the increase in the volume of urine and not the frequency. The diagnosis of kidney disease can be inferred from the person’s interview, symptoms, and signs. However, it is a little more difficult than a lower urinary tract condition. Blood tests and a renal sonogram are usually necessary. If the urine looks spongy, urine test strips are very helpful. These strips are able to identify various types of cells in the urine in addition to proteins, so this is an important tool to have at home. Proteinuria is the presence of protein in the urine. These proteins are usually absorbed by the kidneys, so it is not normal for them to be excreted in the urine and is the manifestation of a kidney problem that can be serious. A colleague at the hospital had a kidney problem whose only manifestation was spongy urine. After about a month with that symptom, he decided to take a urine test, which showed alarming results of protein in the urine. He had to receive a strong treatment for about six months. His proteinuria was due to an autoimmune problem that was causing kidney failure. Common renal problems are: acute renal colic, pyelonephritis, and kidney failure.