kidney

Pyelonephritis (kidney infection) is a result of a urinary tract infection (UTI) that moves to the upper urinary system, which includes the kidneys. The kidneys’ function is to filter blood and produce urine. Urine is carried to the bladder through the ureters where it is then expelled from the body. Pyelonephritis is often a complication of a ...click here to read more

The pain from a kidney stone is often described as one of the worse pains a person can ever experience. The prevalence of kidney stones is approximately 10.6 percent in men and 7.1 percent in women, with kidney stones being more common among the obese rather than normal-weight individuals. We at Bel Marra recognize how ...click here to read more

Enlarged kidneys are relatively uncommon, with only a few select disorders leading to the condition. The kidneys are responsible for filtering the blood from harmful metabolites and ensuring proper volume status that affects our blood pressure. Having an enlarged kidney will likely compromise all of its function. What causes an enlarged kidney? Hydronephrosis: This is ...click here to read more

A nephrotic syndrome definition is a kidney disorder that results in the release of too much protein in the urine (proteinuria). When damage is caused to the blood vessels within the kidneys, which filter waste and water, it can lead to nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome leads to swelling of the feet and ankles along with ...click here to read more

Our kidneys are two bean-shaped organs found on the sides of the abdomen that play a vital role in helping remove waste products that the body generates. Problems that arise from kidney disease may compromise this function and even lead to kidney pain in the morning or kidney pain in general. Pain originating from your ...click here to read more

It is estimated that more than 661,000 Americans have kidney failure, which is a serious condition. The removal of waste products, fluid, and electrolyte balance are all controlled by the kidneys. When they are compromised, it can be life threatening. In order for our readers to better understand this potentially fatal condition, we have provided ...click here to read more

Higher levels of a specific protein known as klotho in the blood may help to preserve proper kidney function, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Klotho is a soluble protein that circulates in the blood and can influence cellular and endocrine pathways—its highest concentration is found ...click here to read more

Yoga can be beneficial in promoting kidney health. The main role of the kidneys is to help filter waste from the body, along with secreting necessary hormones and stabilizing blood pressure. The kidneys also help maintain homeostasis which goes to show how important the kidneys really are for the healthy functioning of the entire body, ...click here to read more

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a type of kidney failure that occurs in patients with severe liver problems. There are two types of HRS. Type 1 is associated with accelerated kidney failure and type 2 is associated with a more gradual kidney failure. Type 1 HRS is characterized by an overproduction of creatinine. In type 2, ...click here to read more

Literally millions of Americans suffer from atonic or neurogenic bladder. The atonic bladder signs vary from person to person, but the worst of the neurogenic bladder symptoms is the inability to control bladder function. Atonic bladder occurs due to a nerve signaling problem that may occur after a stroke, spinal injury, or tumor. The condition causes the bladder to be in one of three states: flaccid, spastic, or a mix of the two. Flaccid refers to the bladder not being able to contract, resulting in urinary overflow. Spastic refers to the bladder sustaining involuntary contractions, producing feelings of wanting to urinate despite not having a full bladder. Mixed refers to having a combination of both flaccid and spastic bladder. Atonic bladder often requires the uses of catheterization, as normal bladder control is absent. Tests involving the measurement of urine flow and imaging are often done to reach a diagnosis. Neurogenic or atonic bladder symptoms can be linked to a destruction of nerves. Essentially, it is bladder dysfunction ...click here to read more

A urinary tract infection is one of the most common forms of bacterial infection, which accounts for millions of doctor and hospital emergency visits in the United States every year. Now, scientists may have found a urinary tract infection prevention that could potentially be administered one day in the form of a vaccination. A team ...click here to read more

Kidney disease risk increases in postmenopausal women undergoing long-term estrogen treatment. Estrogen is known to offer protective effects against high blood pressure, but as the estrogen levels decrease after menopause the benefits decrease as well. The researchers bred rats to mimic gender-specific blood pressure differences commonly observed in humans to determine whether hormone therapy negatively ...click here to read more

Fibrosis in heart and kidneys increases with smoking, according to research findings. In addition, smoking can worsen already existing kidney disease. Fibrosis, which is scarring of organ tissue, can negatively impact the function of the affected organ. The researchers conducted their study on two groups of rats: One with normal kidney function and the other ...click here to read more

Chronic kidney disease patients can improve organ function with urate-lowering therapy. Chronic kidney disease is the gradual loss of kidney function. Higher levels of uric acid in gout patients can contribute to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which brings up the question of whether lowering urate in the body can prevent CKD. To answer this questions, ...click here to read more