Nephrology is the medical specialty focusing on the kidneys and their function. We have two kidneys. They are located on the lower back of the abdomen on each  side of the lumbar column. They are assigned numerous functions.  The main one is to regulate water and electrolytes in the body.

By electrolytes we mean minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, etc… They are also involved in the making of red blood cells and the regulation of blood pressure.

So, a kidney dysfunction is likely to produce one or several disorders, related to the above, such as: hypertension, anemia, high potassium blood level, bone disease due to low calcium, etc.

Diseases of the kidneys may be primary or secondary.  They are primary when no real cause is found for them.  They are secondary when they are the consequence of other diseases like hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, AIDS, diseases of the blood vessels and many other conditions and substances, even some medications.

Early kidney diseases are usually silent.  Why? Because half of one kidney can maintain a good level of kidney function.  So, until a patient loses 75% (three quarters) of his or her kidney function, he or she may not even know about it.

The first manifestations of kidney diseases are often an increase in blood pressure and swelling of the lower extremities and of the face.

When a patient’s kidneys no longer work, he is placed on dialysis.  Though dialysis provides only 10% of kidney function, it does allow many patients to live a long a reward life.

Several national non-profit organizations are dedicated to the prevention and treatment of kidney diseases. The most prominent  the National Kidney Foundation.

Related sites: www.nephron.com

                        www.findarticles.com

                           www.hdcn.com

                       www.renalworld.com

                      www.medicalnews.com