1.The kidneys: * The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs that lie on either side of the spine in the lower middle of the back. Each kidney weighs about ¼ pound.
* It is important to keep the kidneys in good working order to allow them to work at an optimum level.
* The main function of the kidneys is to remove waste products and excess water from the blood. The kidneys process about 200 l’s of blood every day and produce about 2 l’s of urine.
* The kidneys allow consumption of a variety of foods, drugs, vitamins and supplements, additives, and excess fluids. The kidney also plays a major role in regulating levels of various minerals such as calcium, sodium, and potassium in the blood.
* The kidneys also produce certain hormones that have important functions in the body, including the following:- Active form of vitamin D (Calcitriol), which regulates absorption of calcium and phosphorus from foods, promoting formation of strong bone. Erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells.
Renin, which regulates blood volume and blood pressure
* With loss of kidney function, there is an accumulation of water, waste, and toxic substances in the body that are normally excreted by the kidney. Loss of kidney function also causes other problems such as anemia,high blood pressure, disorders of cholesterol and fatty acids, and bone disease.. * Acute kidney failure develops rapidly, over days or weeks.
*Acute kidney failure usually develops in response to a disorder that directly affects the kidney, its blood supply, or urine flow from it.
*Acute kidney failure is often reversible, with complete recovery of kidney function.
*Some patients are left with residual damage and can have a progressive decline in kidney function in the future.Others may develop irreversible kidney failure after an acute injury and remain dialysis-dependent.
Signs and Symptoms :
Because the kidneys perform