Living with Illness ~ Urology and Kidney Diseases

Kidney diseases are disorders that affect the kidneys; the two organs that remove waste products, produce certain hormones, and regulate the level of chemicals in blood.

A major function of the kidneys is to remove waste products and excess fluid from the body. These waste products and excess fluid are removed through urine.

The production of urine involves highly complex steps of excretion and reabsorption. This process is necessary to maintain a stable balance of body chemicals.

The critical regulation of the body’s salt, potassium, and acid content is performed by the kidneys. The kidneys also produce hormones and vitamins that affect the function of other organs. For example, a hormone produced by the kidneys stimulates red blood cell production. In addition, other hormones produced by the kidneys help regulate blood pressure and others help control calcium metabolism.

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