The human body has 78 organs, each performing essential functions. Although some organs like the appendix, gallbladder, or spleen are not critical for survival, others such as the brain, heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys are indispensable.

Most individuals have two kidneys, yet many are unaware of their purpose. These bean-shaped organs, about the size of a large fist, are located on each side of the spine, just beneath the rib cage. Kidneys are vital for maintaining blood pressure, filtering waste from the blood, managing urine output to avoid dehydration, and balancing electrolytes and nutrients like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which are crucial for nerve signals and muscle contractions.

Any harm to the kidneys can disrupt these crucial functions and may lead to severe and life-threatening conditions.

What is kidney disease?

Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are damaged, causing a decline in their function, explains Dr. Pooja Budhiraja, a nephrologist and hypertension expert at Mayo Clinic. There are two primary types of kidney disease: the short-term type (known as acute kidney injury or AKI), which can be reversed with prompt treatment, and the long-term type (chronic kidney disease or CKD), which generally cannot be reversed.

Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatrician at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco, notes that with CKD, the kidneys “slowly lose their ability to filter waste, toxins, and extra water from the bloodstream.”

During the early phase of the disease, symptoms may be mild, including a diminished appetite or feelings of tiredness, but as CKD advances, “complications can include high blood pressure, heart disease, anemia, nerve damage, and fluid build-up,” warns Nagata. “Without proper treatment, chronic kidney disease can progress to end-stage kidney failure, which is fatal without either dialysis or a kidney transplant.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1 in 7 people in the U.S. (around 35.5 million) live with CKD. This chronic illness causes more annual deaths than breast or prostate cancer, as stated by the National Kidney Foundation.

What causes kidney disease?

High blood pressure and diabetes are the leading causes of CKD, as they damage the tiny blood vessels and the filtering parts of the kidneys over time, according to Nagata. Other possible causes include immune system disorders and recurrent kidney infections. “In children, congenital anomalies affecting urinary tract development can also lead to kidney disease,” he adds.

Dr. Budhiraja mentions that other kidney conditions and inflammatory issues like glomerulonephritis can also disrupt kidney function, which eventually results in CKD.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) can be triggered by dehydration, loss of blood, urinary tract blockages such as kidney stones or blood clots, low blood pressure, or heart disease. AKI is often observed in hospitals since it can sometimes result from medical complications in treated patients.

What treatments are available for kidney disease?

Regardless of the underlying cause of kidney disease, various treatment options exist, although CKD currently lacks a cure. “The treatments aim to alleviate symptoms, slow disease progression, and manage complications,” states Nagata. These treatments can include oral medications for issues like anemia or fluid retention, and injections known as erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, which help the body produce more red blood cells. In severe cases, dialysis machines filter waste and excess fluid when the kidneys can no longer perform these functions.

Before reaching that stage, “making lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and quitting smoking, is typically recommended,” Nagata advises.

“If you suspect you have kidney disease, it’s important to consult your primary care provider for necessary tests and to manage conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes,” warns Budhiraja. “Controlling these conditions is crucial to slow the progression of kidney disease and avert serious health complications,” adds Nagata.