Our kidneys are working all day and night to ensure that toxic substances and waste products are filtered from our body. It also regulates the amount of fluid in the body as well as the different minerals and salts that are essential for various processes. Although we can remain healthy even if we only have one kidney, both kidneys are constantly working to maintain the state of balance (homeostasis) that marks health. As with any part of the body, the kidneys can become dysfunctional, damaged and diseased. The symptoms may not be immediately obvious unless it is a severe kidney problem that strikes suddenly. But identifying the early and subtle signs of kidney disease and seeking medical attention as soon as possible can drastically improve the outcome.

continue reading 6 Signs of Unhealthy Kidneys

Do you tend to pass urine a bit too often? It may in fact be a sign of certain diseases but many people experience urinary frequency even though there is no underlying problem. The cause of this urinary frequency may not necessarily be serious and poses little more than an inconvenience in having to visit the toilet many times in a day. The cause can be as simple as drinking too much of water or wearing tight clothing. Even your state of mind can be a factor.

Urination is a natural process that includes urine formation by the kidneys, storage of urine within the bladder and voiding which is the expulsion of the urine into the environment. It is the process that allows the body to get rid of toxins and waste products in the bloodstream as well as regulate the water volume and electrolyte levels in the body. While you should not be urinating too few times in a day, there comes a point when frequent urination, which is not disease related, can affect your life.

continue reading How To Reduce Urination And Limit Urine Output

Definition

Radiation cystitis is condition where the bladder become inflamed because of exposure to radiation. It is rare for most people to be exposed to radiation for other than medical reasons. The bladder itself may be targeted in radiation therapy (radiotherapy) or the other pelvic organs may be irradiated for cancer at these sites with the bladder being incidentally affected due to the close proximity. The extent of the tissue injury associated with radiation exposure can range from minor irritation, to severe inflammation and even death of a portion of bladder tissue.Better targeting and delivery methods these days has helped in minimizing more severe forms of radiation cystitis.

continue reading Radiation Cystitis (Bladder Inflammation with Radiotherapy)

Definition

Hyperoxaluria is the term for high levels of oxalate in the urine. It is normal to pass oxalate in the urine but these levels are lower than 40mg (milligrams) per day. In hyperoxaluria the urinary oxalate levels exceed 40mg within a 24 hour period. The oxalate is produced within the body and/or sourced from certain foods. High levels of oxalate greatly increases the risk of urinary stones. It can also progress to oxalosis where the blood levels of oxalate is raised and oxalate is deposited in various tissues throughout the body.

 
continue reading Hyperoxaluria (High Oxalate Levels in the Urine)

What is lithium nephropathy?

Lithium nephropathy is a kidney disease that occurs as a result of using lithium. Although trace amounts of lithium are present in the human body, it does not seem to serve any specific function. Lithium is used as a medication to treat certain psychiatric disorders and these patients are at risk of developing lithium nephropathy. It can cause a severe loss of fluid volume in the body and disturbances in the electrolyte disturbances as a result of lithium-induced diabetes insipidus It is more likely to be severe in patients who take high doses of lithium or intentionally overdose on lithium in a suicide attempt.

continue reading Lithium Induced Kidney Disease (Nephropathy)