Renal - My Kidneys

• Our kidneys are as important to our health, as our heart and lungs
• They filter the blood to make urine, which allows the body to get rid of excess water, waste products (toxins) and salt
• They also help control blood pressure and make chemicals (hormones)
• Important for keeping bones and blood vessels healthy
• They build red blood cells to carry oxygen as a fuel source around your body

Where are they?

• Normally each person has 2 kidneys
• They sit just under the rib cage in the middle of the back, one on each side of the spine
• They are reddish brown in colour and shaped like kidney beans
• Each kidney is about the size of a clenched fist

How do healthy kidneys work?

• The main job of the kidneys is to clean the blood and remove waste from the blood
• Every minute, about one litre of blood enters the kidneys through the kidney blood vessels
• Each day the kidneys’ job is to clean approximately 190 litres (335 pints) of blood through about a million mini filters per kidney (called nephrons) and 225 km (145 miles) of tubes
• All the blood in the body would normally pass through the kidneys about 12 times per hour
• On average the kidneys produce 2-3 litres of urine per day, depending on how much fluid is drunk. In doing so, healthy kidneys remove water from the body

Kidneys remove waste

The kidneys remove waste products from the blood and ensure that there is the right balance of chemicals like salt (sodium), potassium and phosphorus in the body.

Kidneys produce hormones

The kidneys make 3 different hormones that:

1. Help control blood pressure. People with kidney disease frequently have high blood pressure.
2. Encourage the production of red blood cells, which prevents anaemia. People with kidney disease may suffer from anaemia (a reduction in the number of cells in the blood which carry oxygen in the blood, i.e. red blood cells).
3. Help maintain healthy bones (vitamin D). People with kidney disease may develop an imbalance of calcium, phosphate and bone disease.

What happens when my kidneys don’t work so well?

When the kidneys are not working well or have failed, you may experience some of the following:

• Extra fluid can build up in the body causing swelling of the ankles, shortness of breath and high blood pressure
• You can have high blood pressure
• Waste products build up in the body, usually gradually, and make you feel run down and unwell
• Imbalance of chemicals can cause itchiness or dry skin, occasionally confusion, sickness or vomiting
• Reduced hormone production may make you feel tired or have loss of concentration

What can I do to keep healthy?

• Keep a diary of how you feel and any changes to your symptoms - tell your kidney team if anything changes
• Get regular health checks with your GP or kidney team
• Take your medication as prescribed or tell your team if you are having any problems with your medication. Always bring your medications to the clinic
• Try to keep to a healthy diet - reduce salt, cholesterol, sugar and fat. Try to have a variety of fresh food where possible or follow the advice from your dietician
• Try to keep active - keep as active as you can dependent on your mobility, by walking, swimming, dancing or just moving around the house
• Try to stop smoking and limit your alcohol intake

Where can I get more information?

From your kidney care team

Other information leaflets - see your kidney care team

Patient education room – see your kidney care team

Renal patient view (ask your kidney care team how to apply)

Contact Details

Please contact the Renal (CKD Team) on 0161 206 1882.

Internet Sites:

Kidneypatientguide.org
National Kidney Federation (NFK) - www.kidney.org.uk Patient.co.uk
NHS choices Renal Association NICE
Edren (Edinburgh renal unit website) - www.edren.org.uk
British Kidney Patients Association (BKPA) - 0142 054 1424 www.britishkidney.pa.co.uk
PKD Foundation - www.pkd.org.uk
GMKIN - http://gmkin.org.uk/young-adults/
Hope Kidney Patients Association - see your kidney care team info.hopekpa@gmail.com
National Kidney Federation (NKF) via website - 0845 601 0209 Diabetes UK - www.diabetes.org.uk
Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS)