Kidney Health Care (KHC)

Kidney Cysts - What Are Kidney Cysts?

2011-01-18T19:34:00.000+08:00

Cysts are closed pouches of tissues, which can be filled with air or fluid that can form anywhere in the body. Cysts forming in the kidneys are called kidney cysts or renal cysts that usually contain fluid. Kidney cysts may run in the family, and in others, the cause is not fully understood. The following are information about kidney cysts: Acquired Cystic Kidney Diseases (ACKD) Kidney

The Nephron - Structure and Function of the Nephron

2010-12-03T22:00:00.006+08:00

The Nephron Credit: NIDDK The nephron is the tiny filtering structure in your kidneys. Each of your kidneys contain more than a million tiny filtering nephrons that help clean your blood. Function of the Nephrons Your nephrons help: Remove excess water,wastes and other substances from your blood. Return substances like sodium, potassium or phosphorus whenever any of these substances run low

What to do if you have Blood in your Urine?

2010-09-28T16:00:00.006+08:00

What You Should do if You Notice That Your Urine Has Blood? Having blood in the urine is termed as hematuria. In general, there are two types of hematuria. One type is, you have the problem but you do not notice it because there is very little blood and can be observed only under a microscope. This type is called microscopic hematuria. On the other hand, when it is obvious that your urine is red

Top Tests for Kidney Disease Screening

2010-09-20T11:48:00.002+08:00

Kidney disease may not present with symptoms during its early stages. In fact, your doctor may first detect that your have the condition when he or she performs a routine blood or urine test. There are simple tests that your doctor can use to detect if you have kidney disease. The National Kidney Foundation recommends the three simple tests to screen for kidney disease. It include blood pressure

FDA Requires New Warning Labels on Drugs Used in MRI Scans

2010-09-10T17:20:00.001+08:00

Enhanced screening recommended to detect kidney dysfunction Kidney Health Care News (September 10, 2010) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Thursday that they are requiring gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) to carry new warnings on their labels about the risk of a rare and potentially fatal condition known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), if the drug is administered

Experimental Advanced Prostate Cancer Treatment Drug Benefits Patients In a Clinical Trial

2010-08-25T19:10:00.004+08:00

Kidney Health Care News (August 25, 2010) - An experimental drug called cabazitaxel "has improved the survival of some patients with advanced prostate cancer compared with those who received standard chemotherapy," according to a randomized phase III clinical trial. The results of the clinical trial was presented at the Genitourinary Cancers Symposium in San Francisco last week. According to

Prostate Inflammation and Delayed Puberty May Be Caused by Atrazine, Study Says

2010-08-25T11:59:00.001+08:00

Kidney Health Care News, August 24, 2010 - A recent study shows that male rats prenatally exposed to low doses of atrazine are more likely to develop prostate inflammation and to go through puberty later than non-exposed animals. The research, available online, adds to a growing body of literature on atrazine, an herbicide widely used to control weeds and grasses in crops such as corn and sugar

Treatment for Urinary Incontinence in Women

2010-08-21T00:18:00.002+08:00

Many women experience urine leakage or urinary incontinence (UI) wherein there is involuntary loss of urine during activities like running or coughing. In others, they may feel a strong, sudden urge to urinate just before losing a large amount of urine. Sometimes, both symptoms may be experienced by women. Although the urinary incontinence can also occur in men, it occurs twice as often in women.

Bladder Problems When You Have Diabetes

2010-08-20T19:54:00.009+08:00

Bladder problems can occur because of damage to your nerves that control bladder function. Nerve damage can result from diabetes, trauma or injuries, and infections. Studies have shown that "more than half of men and women with diabetes have bladder problems because of damage to the nerves controlling bladder function." Problems with bladder function common in people who have diabetes include

Gene Variants Linked to Kidney Disease In African Americans

2010-08-03T15:07:00.033+08:00

Scientists discover variants of a gene that may help protect against a sometimes-deadly parasite infection, but also raises the risk for kidney disease in African Americans. The results of the study, published July 15, 2010 on the early online edition of Science, may eventually lead to better treatments for both conditions. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects about 23 million adults in the

Blood Test for Creatinine Levels

2010-07-20T22:22:00.003+08:00

Elevated creatinine levels in the blood may mean that a person may have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Creatinine is a substance that results from the breakdown of creatine—one of the components of muscles. Normally, creatinine is released out of the body by the normal kidneys in the urine. When the kidneys are not working as they should, creatinine will tend to build up in the blood. This can

Online GFR Calculators for Adults and Children

2010-07-20T20:17:00.005+08:00

One of the best ways to detect early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults is a blood test, which estimates GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) from serum creatinine. GFR is measure of how well your kidneys are filtering blood. Creatinine is a byproduct of creatine breakdown. Creatine is an integral part of muscle fibers. Fully functioning kidneys normally eliminate creatinine out of the

Common Causes of Kidney Failure in Children

2010-07-09T20:10:00.006+08:00

Overview of Common Causes of Acute and Chronic Kidney Failure in Children The kidneys play an important role in cleaning the blood. They help remove body wastes and excess water. When they are not functioning properly (kidney failure), wastes and excess fluid will accumulate in the body. If not removed out of the body, it could lead to complications and even death. Acute and Chronic Kidney

Nephrotic Syndrome - What Is Nephrotic Syndrome?

2010-07-08T19:50:00.003+08:00

Nephrotic syndrome is a type of kidney disease marked by elevated levels of protein in the urine, a condition called proteinuria; low levels of protein in the blood; swelling, especially around the eyes, feet, and hands; and high cholesterol. It occurs when the kidneys' glomeruli are damaged. The glomeruli are tiny blood vessels in the kidneys that filter wastes and excess water from the blood.

Diabetic Nephropathy - About Diabetic Nephropathy

2010-06-10T19:00:00.003+08:00

Diabetic nephropathy is a type of kidney disease that occurs because of diabetes complications. The condition affects both kidneys. The cause of diabetic nephropathy is not fully understood. However, experts believe that uncontrolled high blood sugar results in kidney damage. High blood pressure, which sometimes occurs with too high blood sugar, further increases the damage to

Stages of CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease)

2010-06-08T21:11:00.004+08:00

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means that there is gradual loss of function of the kidneys. This condition is thought to be a “silent” disease as people do not know they have the condition until almost all of kidney function has deteriorated. A person’s eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) is the best indicator of how well the kidneys are functioning. This procedure requires

Parts of the Nephron

2010-06-08T18:59:00.003+08:00

The most actively working parts of the kidneys are tiny structures called nephrons. Each normal nephron, generally, works day and night to get rid of wastes in the blood. And each kidney has about 1 million tiny filtering units. Two major parts of the nephron are the renal corpuscle and the renal tubule. The corpuscle has the glomerulus (see illustration). Cleansing of the blood occurs in this

Urinary Retention (Bladder Emptying Problem)

2010-05-12T00:53:00.003+08:00

Urinary retention is a condition in which a person is unable to empty his or her bladder properly. It can be acute or chronic (long-term). In the acute type, the person is unable to urinate at all even if his/her bladder is full. A person having this condition needs immediate medical attention requiring prompt medical treatment. People having chronic urinary retention may urinate

Kidney Health Quick Info

2010-04-09T20:37:00.004+08:00

The kidneys help our body get rid of waste products in the blood. When they are not working properly, it can result in many health problems, such as high blood pressure, anemia, bone disease and heart disease. If left untreated, kidney disease can lead to total kidney failure and even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 26 million adults have

Red Urine

2010-04-08T19:03:00.004+08:00

When your urine is reddish, pinkish in color, it may mean that you have hematuria. In hematuria, the urine contains red blood cells (RBCs)—the most abundant cells in the blood. There are several health problems that can cause hematuria and most of them are not serious. Sometimes, the urine may be tainted with blood after performing strenuous exercises that usually goes away in 24 hours. In some

Types of Urinary Incontinence in Women

2010-03-29T20:08:00.002+08:00

Many women experience involuntary loss of urine called urinary incontinence. There are several types of urinary incontinence that can affect women causing accidental leakage of urine. Stress Incontinence This type of incontinence is the most common among younger and middle-aged women. Sometimes, the condition may begin around the time of menopause and incidence of the condition

Renal Tubular Acidosis Symptoms and Causes

2010-03-01T02:27:00.005+08:00

Renal tubular acidosis, otherwise known as RTA, is a condition that occurs when your blood becomes too acidic because of kidney abnormality. Because of failure of the kidneys to excrete it out of the body, acids build up in the blood, which can lead to growth retardation, kidney stones, bone disease, chronic kidney disease, and possibly total kidney failure. One of the main

Organs of the Urinary System and Their Functions

2010-02-23T21:19:00.006+08:00

The urinary system is one of the organ systems of the body. The organs of the urinary system work to help the body get rid of wastes and excess water in the form of urine. Other urinary system organs help transport urine or store urine and release it when it is time. The organs of the urinary system include the two kidneys, two ureters, a urinary bladder and the urethra. The Kidneys The adult

REN-Related Kidney Disease Information

2010-01-22T22:32:00.003+08:00

REN-related kidney disease is a rare inherited disorder that affects the kidneys. It can cause kidney disease that slowly progresses, which becomes apparent during childhood. As the disease progresses, the kidneys will slowly be less able to filter out wastes and excess water. Ultimately, the condition can cause kidney failure where the kidneys totally fail to perform its functions. When the

Bladder Control Problems in Men

2009-11-23T23:06:00.006+08:00

Bladder control problems in men can develop as they grow older. However, accidental leakage of urine, frequent urination, or the urgent need to urinate don’t have to be parts of aging. There are treatments available to manage bladder problems. Problems in bladder control have several types including urinary incontinence and overactive bladder. Urinary incontinence occurs when

Bloody Urine, Dangerous or Not?

2009-11-23T21:13:00.005+08:00

Having bloody urine, or hematuria, may not be dangerous or it can be a sign of a more serious health problem. Bloody urine occurs when red blood cells—the blood cells that make the color of blood red—are found in the urine. The color of urine may vary from pale pink to the color of cola. Sometimes, you might have hematuria but are not aware of it because it is not seen with the naked eye. This

Cancer of the Urinary System

2009-11-07T14:17:00.007+08:00

Cancer of the urinary system occurs when cancer forms in any of your urinary tract organs. Cancer can happen in any of the urinary tract, but often it affects the kidney, bladder, and the prostate gland in males. Cancer occurs when cells comprising the organs, divide uncontrollably to form new cells. These newly developed cells can form a mass called tumor. This tumor can grow large to the

What is Cystitis (Bladder Infection)?

2009-11-07T13:53:00.007+08:00

Cystitis is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that occurs in the bladder - balloon-shaped urinary tract structure that stores urine until it is eliminated through urination. Cystitis is commonly caused by bacteria. Often, these bacteria travel from the urethra—the small tube that drains urine from the bladder—proliferate and cause inflammation to the urethra, called urethritis. Sometimes,

Continent Urinary Diversion - What is Continent Urinary Diversion?

2009-11-07T12:39:00.009+08:00

Continent urinary diversion is a type of urinary diversion, which is done in people who are unable to release urine from their body naturally. It involves the creation of something like a pouch or reservoir inside the body. Commonly, a part of the digestive tract is used. The ureters, which normally carry urine from the kidneys to bladder, carry urine into the pouch, where it can

Prostate Cancer - What is Prostate Cancer?

2009-10-26T22:31:00.006+08:00

Prostate cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), is a cancer that starts in the prostate gland. It occurs when cells grow and divide without control. Sometimes these cells spread and cause cancer in other parts of the body. Prostate cancer usually affects older men above 65 years old. In the United States, the National Cancer Institute estimated that there will

Bladder Cancer - About Bladder Cancer

2009-10-21T19:08:00.004+08:00

Bladder cancer, also called urinary bladder cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in bladder tissues. The bladder is a hollow organ located in the lower abdomen. It receives urine formed by the kidneys through the two ureters and stores it until it passes out of the body during urination. There are several types of bladder cancer depending on what cells of the bladder are involved. Types of

Kidney Cancer(Renal Cancer)

2009-10-21T12:10:00.008+08:00

Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that forms in tissues of the kidneys. There are several types of kidney cancer including renal cell carcinoma, renal pelvis carcinoma, and Wilms tumor. Renal cell carcinoma is a cancer that forms in the lining of the nephrons—the very small tubes in the kidney that filter the blood and remove wastes. It is the most common type of kidney cancer occurring in adults

Difference Between Kidney Stones and Gallstones

2009-10-18T13:27:00.008+08:00

Kidney Stones vs Gallstones: Differentiating Kidney Stones From Gallstones Kidney stones and gallstones are totally unrelated conditions. They form in different areas of the body. A kidney stone is a hard mass that forms when substances in the urine harden to form crystals. Most kidney stones are small that they easily pass out of the body even without medical treatment. However, if the kidney

Chronic Kidney Disease—Mineral and Bone Disorder

2009-10-02T21:13:00.007+08:00

Chronic kidney disease—mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) occurs when the kidneys fail to maintain proper levels of phosphorus and calcium in the blood. The condition commonly occurs in people with kidney disease and affects almost all patients who undergo dialysis. CKD-MBD is more serious when it occurs in children because their bones are still rowing. This can cause slowing

Urostomy - What Is Urostomy?

2009-10-02T16:20:00.007+08:00

Urostomy is a type of urinary diversion, which requires a pouch to be worn outside the body. A urinary diversion may be necessary if a person cannot urinate because a part or parts of the urinary tract is damaged or not working properly. A doctor may recommend urinary diversion if:  A person’s bladder has been removed to stop or prevent spread of cancer  A person’s bladder has nerve damage <

Tests for Prostate Problems

2009-09-28T20:35:00.006+08:00

The prostate gland, or simply prostate, is a walnut-sized gland in men, which is located in front of the rectum just below the bladder. It acts to produce fluid that becomes a part of the semen. The prostate surrounds the first part of the urethra—the tube through which urine passes out of the body. Prostate problems may include prostatitis, prostate enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia (

Prostate Cancer

2009-09-28T15:15:00.005+08:00

Prostate cancer, or prostatic cancer, is a cancer that forms in tissues of the prostate. Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men. The prostate is a gland about the size of a walnut, which wraps around the first part of the urethra—the tube that carries urine out of the bladder. It is located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder. In prostate cancer, cells abnormally form, which

Normal Number of Nephrons

2009-09-27T21:51:00.007+08:00

The number of nephrons is the same when a person is born. About a million of nephrons is found in each kidney. The nephrons are the vital filtering units within the kidney. They help separate blood cells and fluid including wastes in the blood. Large substances and blood cells, such as red blood cells and white blood cells remain in the blood vessels while wastes, such as urea and excess fluids

Organs of the Urinary System

2009-09-27T20:46:00.005+08:00

The organs of the urinary system and their functions. The urinary system is the body’s primary system involved with excreting most of the body’s wastes and excess water. Also the integumentary and respiratory systems aid in excreting some of the body’s waste products. The urinary system consists of two kidneys, two ureters, a urinary bladder, and a urethra. Generally, the kidneys are the ones

Renal Artery Stenosis (Narrowing of Renal Artery)

2009-09-27T16:15:00.005+08:00

Renal artery stenosis, or RAS, is a condition in which there is narrowing of one or both arteries that carry blood to the kidneys. The arteries carrying blood to the kidneys are called the renal arteries. RAS can cause reduction in kidney function and even elevated blood pressure. In most cases, renal artery stenosis is caused by atherosclerosis, which causes hardening of the kidney arteries.

Renal Artery

2009-09-26T22:10:00.008+08:00

The renal arteries are blood vessels that carry blood to the kidneys. They directly branch off from the abdominal aorta. The aorta is the largest artery of the body and is the main blood vessel from the heart that supplies blood to most of the body’s organs. Sometimes, plaque or cholesterol deposits stick in the inner wall of the artery. This causes the artery to become narrowed, a condition

Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease

2009-09-26T21:37:00.003+08:00

Acquired cystic kidney disease, or ACKD, is a condition in which the kidneys develop fluid-filled sacs called renal (kidney) cysts. ACKD can occur in children and adults. The cysts are more likely to develop in people who have been on dialysis for many years. Dialysis, however, does not cause cysts to develop. ACKD is usually caused by kidney failure. Most cases of cysts are

Abnormal Contents of Urine

2009-09-23T23:13:00.003+08:00

Normally, urine contains water and wastes, such as urea, uric acid, creatinine, and some ions. However, some of these substances may be abnormally elevated, which usually indicates that something is wrong with the body. The following are some of the abnormal constituents of urine and some possible causes. Albumin Albumin is a type of protein, which is a normal component of

Contents of Urine

2009-09-23T21:44:00.004+08:00

What are the components of urine? The body takes nutrients from food and uses them to maintain bodily functions including energy and self-repair. Once the body has taken what it needs from the food, waste products are produce. Adults can produce about a quart and a half of urine each day. The amount, however, may depend on many factors including the amount of fluid and food a person consumes and

Kidney Stones Diet: Preventing Kidney Stones from Forming

2009-09-23T19:46:00.007+08:00

A kidney stones diet can play a role in stopping stone formation. Other factors, such as family history, environment, fluid intake, and weight may also play a part in the formation of stones. Normally, the body uses food for energy and also tissue repair. Once the body has used what it needs, waste products are carried to the kidneys to be excreted in the form of urine. Certain foods in the diet

Kidney Stones Diet. Preventing Kidney Stones from Forming (cont'd)

2009-09-23T19:39:00.007+08:00

Following a strict kidney stones diet may prevent future stone formation. The following discusses about dietary changes you can make to help prevent kidney stones. Dietary changes: 1. Drink lots of fluid. Drinking lots of fluid help dilute the urine and help flush away materials that might form stones. The amount of fluid that a person needs to drink depends on the weather and

Kidney Stones Diet. Preventing Kidney Stones from Forming (cont'd)

2009-09-23T19:33:00.006+08:00

4. Dietary calcium Calcium found in food does not increase a person’s risk of calcium oxalate stones. Calcium in the digestive tract prevents oxalate from entering the bloodstream into the kidneys by binding to oxalate. Experts recommend that people who form calcium oxalate should include 800 mg of calcium in their diet every day. This is not only to prevent formation of kidney stones but to

Urethra

2009-06-18T14:24:00.007+08:00

The urethra is a part of the urinary tract, which allows urine from the bladder to pass outside the body during urination. In both males and females, the urethra is the last portion of the urinary tract. The female and male urethra varies in length. The female urethra is about 4 centimeters long. The male urethra is longer, which measures about 15 to 20 centimeters long. The Male and Female

Ureters

2009-06-18T13:13:00.004+08:00

The ureters are two tube-like structures that connect each kidney to the urinary bladder. Each ureter measures about 8 to 10 inches long. Function of the ureters The ureters help carry urine formed in the kidneys to the bladder. Small amounts of urine are emptied into the bladder from the ureters about every 10 to 15 seconds. Problems or disorders of the ureter Infection (urinary tract

Kidney Birth Defects

2009-05-27T12:23:00.006+08:00

Kidney diseases or disorders can develop while the baby is in the mother's womb. Two fact sheets from the Kidney Health Care web site, explain two of these disorders: kidney dysplasia and medullary sponge kidney. Kidney Birth Defects Kidney dysplasia, which occurs during fetal development, is a condition in which the internal structures of one or both of the baby's kidneys fail

Chronic Kidney Disease Information

2009-05-26T14:01:00.006+08:00

Chronic kidney disease—called kidney disease here for short—is a condition in which the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys are damaged, making the kidneys unable to do their job. Usually, this occurs over a long period of time. Waste then builds up in the blood, which can harm the body. Most people have two kidneys. They are bean-shaped, and about the size of your clenched fist. They are located

Swine Flu: Do You Have the Symptoms?

2009-04-29T12:28:00.003+08:00

Swine influenza, more commonly known as swine flu, is a respiratory disease of pigs. It is caused by the type A influenza virus that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu. However, swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person. Swine flu Signs and Symptoms Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of

Nephron

2009-04-21T13:13:00.006+08:00

The body’s filtering machine: Its structures and functions The nephrons are little structures within the kidney that help filter blood. Each kidney contains about one million of these tiny filtering units. In filtering the blood, the nephrons help eliminate waste materials and excess water from the body. The wastes and extra water are then excreted from the body in the form of urine. A tiny

Child’s Bedwetting: Should You be Concerned?

2009-04-04T15:25:00.006+08:00

What parents should know about bedwetting Bedwetting, also called nocturnal (nighttime) enuresis or nighttime incontinence, is common in children. In fact, many normal, healthy children wet the bed until they are 5 years old, or even older. Causes In most cases of bedwetting in children, the cause is physical and not the child’s fault. The child’s bladder might be too small to

Getting Screened For Kidney Disease

2009-03-30T12:51:00.004+08:00

Many people have chronic kidney disease and yet don’t know it. The reason for this might be because chronic kidney disease is a silent disease. You may have the condition for years without any symptoms. As deterioration of kidney function occurs, you may experience fatigue. However, fatigue may also be a sign of other conditions as well. Without actual measurement of kidney function and

Kidney Cancer Drug Approved by the FDA

2009-03-30T11:00:00.001+08:00

March 30, 2009Posted by: David Mangusan Jr., PTRPThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Afinitor oral tablets (everolimus) for the treatment of patients with advanced kidney cancer whose disease has progressed after treatment with other cancer therapies.Renal cell cancer is the most common type of kidney cancer. It originates in the lining of the small tubules in the kidney that

Kidney Health - About Kidney Health

2009-03-27T23:33:00.005+08:00

Your kidneys play a very important role in keeping your body healthy. Each of your kidneys is about the size of your clenched fist. They are located in the middle of your back, just below your rib cage. These excretory or urinary system organs play an important role in filtering blood and removing waste products and even extra water from your body. As a result, wastes and excess water are

Kidney Dysplasia (Overview)

2009-03-18T20:32:00.005+08:00

Kidney dysplasia is a condition that occurs when structures within the kidney do not develop normally. This kidney disorder occurs during the development of the baby in the womb. The condition is also known as renal dysplasia or multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK). Kidney dysplasia usually affects one kidney. And many infants survive and grow normally with one working kidney.

Lupus Nephritis - What Is Lupus Nephritis?

2009-03-18T18:30:00.006+08:00

Lupus nephritis is an inflammation of the kidney that occurs as a result of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Systemic lupus erythematosus, or simply lupus, is a disease of the immune system. SLE typically affects the skin, joints, kidneys, and brain. Causes of SLE are not fully understood. However, many factors may play a role, including•gender—SLE is more common in women than

IgA Nephropathy - What Is IgA Nephropathy?

2009-03-18T17:50:00.004+08:00

What is IgA nephropathy? IgA nephropathy is a disorder affecting the kidney or kidneys. It occurs when IgA—a protein that helps the body fight infections—settles in the kidneys. These IgA deposits may cause the kidneys to leak blood and sometimes protein in the urine. Many people with IgA nephropathy leak blood in the urine, but this leakage does not mean they will have long-term problems.

Losing Weight Helps Reduce Risk of Urinary Incontinence, Study Shows

2009-01-29T10:11:00.002+08:00

A clinical trial funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK and the Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH) found that weight loss reduces the risk of urinary incontinence in women who are overweight and obese. Both the NIDDK and the ORWH are parts of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The paper showing the results of the trial will be

Measurement of Kidney Function in Children with Kidney Disease Improved

2009-01-22T09:45:00.002+08:00

A formula used to measure kidney function in children with chronic kidney disease has been revised to make it more precise, according to a study published today in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. This study is based on data collected by the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) clinical trial, funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (

Kidney Health Care News

2009-01-22T06:00:00.003+08:00

Kidney Cancer Drug Approved by the FDALosing Weight Helps Reduce Risk of Urinary Incontinence, Study ShowsMeasurement of Kidney Function in Children with Kidney Disease ImprovedSupplements Fail to Prevent Prostate CancerCommon Chronic Prostatitis Drug Not Effective in Reducing SymptomsCertain Bowel Cleansers and the Risk of Kidney Damage[Top of Page]

Talking to Your Doctor About Kidney Disease

2009-01-19T19:11:00.004+08:00

Are You At Risk For Kidney Disease?Do you have diabetes? Do you have high blood pressure? Did anyone in your family ever have kidney disease or kidney failure? Has a doctor ever told you that you had protein in your urine? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you are at risk for kidney disease. Now is the time to talk to your doctor or health care professional about

Kidney Disease: Are You at Risk?

2009-01-19T10:30:00.005+08:00

If you have diabetes or high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease, you are at risk for kidney disease. Talk to your health care provider about getting tested. Learn more about kidney disease, testing, and treatment Talking To Your Doctor About Kidney Disease Caring For Your Kidneys When You Have Diabetes Ways to Protect Your Kidneys [Top of Page]

Supplements Fail to Prevent Prostate Cancer

2009-01-06T08:30:00.003+08:00

Two large-scale clinical trials found that vitamin E, vitamin C or selenium supplements don’t reduce the risk of prostate cancer or other cancers in older men.Previous studies had suggested that vitamin E or selenium supplements might reduce prostate cancer risk. Smaller studies also hinted that vitamin C might help to prevent prostate and other cancers.NIH-funded researchers tested how prostate

Urinary System Structures and Functions

2008-12-20T08:54:00.006+08:00

The urinary system include the two kidneys, two ureters, the urinary bladder (or simply, bladder), two sphincter muscles, and the urethra. These structures, including the nerves that control them, work in different ways. But generally, the urinary system works to form urine, store it, and carry it outside the body. The different structures of the urinary system and their functions: The Kidneys

Common Chronic Prostatitis Drug Not Effective in Reducing Symptoms

2008-12-19T07:42:00.004+08:00

A commonly prescribed drug for chronic prostatitis, called alfuzosin, failed to significantly reduce symptoms of the condition. Chronic prostatitis is a painful disorder of the prostate gland and surrounding pelvic area.According to the clinical trial sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK), a part of the National Institutes of Health NIH),

Certain Bowel Cleansers and the Risk of Kidney Damage

2008-12-17T09:22:00.003+08:00

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has added a Boxed Warning on two prescription oral sodium phosphate (OSP) products: Visicol and OsmoPrep. The Boxed Warning helps to warn consumers about the risk of acute phosphate nephropathy (a kind of acute kidney injury or damage). OSP products are routinely used to cleanse the bowel before colon examination (colonoscopy) and other medical procedures.In

Kidney Failure Treatments and Complications

2008-12-01T12:36:00.004+08:00

Kidney failure treatments may cause complications that may require prompt treatment. But some of the kidney failure treatment complications or side effects of treatment may be prevented or easily treated. Let us have a look at some of the possible complications that may occur when undergoing treatment for total kidney failure. Three treatment options are available for a patient whose kidneys

Prostate Problems

2008-12-01T11:02:00.003+08:00

The prostate gland is a walnut-sized organ, located just below the bladder. It surrounds a portion of the urethra—a tube that carries urine during urination and carry semen during ejaculation, or sexual climax. The prostate produces fluid, which adds to the volume of semen. Two common prostate problems are prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prostatitis When the

Total Kidney Failure: Treatment Options

2008-11-30T18:47:00.006+08:00

Introduction Having totally failed kidneys, also called end-stage renal disease (ESRD), would have a great impact on a person’s life including his or her lifestyle, work, and emotional well being. But with the help of the health care team, family, and friends, a person with total kidney failure can lead a full and active life. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that help get rid of wastes

Treatment Choice 1: Hemodialysis

2008-11-30T18:39:00.006+08:00

Hemodialysis is a treatment procedure that a person who has totally failed kidneys would sometimes choose to replace the work of the failed kidneys. Hemodialysis makes use of a machine that filters the blood outside the body. The machine can temporarily rid the body of harmful wastes, extra water and other substances. In hemodialysis, the patient’s blood is sent through a filter

Treatment Choice 2: Peritoneal Dialysis

2008-11-30T18:29:00.005+08:00

Peritoneal dialysis is another treatment procedure that removes wastes, extra water, and chemicals from your body. In peritoneal dialysis, the peritoneal membrane—the lining of the abdomen or belly—is used to filter the blood. The peritoneal membrane acts as the artificial kidney. With the use of a catheter, a dialysis solution is introduced in the abdomen. The dialysis

Treatment Choice 3: Kidney Transplantation

2008-11-30T18:07:00.005+08:00

Another treatment option for patients with complete kidney failure is kidney transplantation. In this treatment method, a healthy kidney is surgically placed into the patient’s body. The transplanted kidney then takes on the work of the two failed kidneys. Sometimes the failed kidneys are left in place if they do not cause infection or high blood pressure. The donated kidney may

Pessary - What Is a Pessary?

2008-11-20T21:10:00.005+08:00

A Treatment Option for Women with Stress Incontinence. A pessary is a small device placed in the vagina, which may help in correcting the position of the bladder and preventing leakage of urine, which occurs in people with stress incontinence. Stress incontinence is a type of urinary incontinence wherein the person leaks urine during actions such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, during an

Kidney Dysplasia - All About Kidney Dysplasia

2008-11-19T21:36:00.004+08:00

Kidney dysplasia, also called renal dysplasia or multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK), is a disorder that can occur in babies while they are developing in the womb. In this disorder, the internal structures of one or both of the kidneys do not develop normally. Normal kidney tissues are replaced by cysts, which are fluid filled sacs. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that help filter fluid

Diabetes Insipidus (DI) - About Diabetes Insipidus

2008-11-17T22:20:00.004+08:00

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a rare disorder that causes a person to frequently urinate, which commonly results from inadequate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Because of the large volume of fluid lost in the urine, the person with the condition tends to drink large amounts of fluid. This would likely make the person urinate frequently, even at night that it can disrupt sleep and,

Diet and Dialysis

2008-11-15T01:29:00.004+08:00

Dialysis, or hemodialysis, is the most common treatment method for advanced and permanent kidney failure. Normal kidneys help to clean the blood by removing harmful wastes and excess fluid. In addition, they also make hormones, which keep the bones strong and the blood healthy. When the kidneys fail, it can lead to buildup of harmful wastes in the body, elevation of blood pressure, buildup of

Urinary Incontinence: Bladder Control Problems

2008-11-14T21:32:00.008+08:00

Urinary incontinence, or UI, is the accidental leakage of urine. It occurs because of problems with muscles and nerves that help in holding or releasing urine. While urinary incontinence can happen to anyone, it is more common in older people. Women are more likely than men to have incontinence. This is because of the structural differences in the pelvic region and the changes induced by

Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia): A Normal Part of Aging?

2008-11-11T22:19:00.008+08:00

Other Names: Prostate Enlargement, Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, Prostatic Enlargement Is prostate enlargement a normal part of aging? Or a urinary condition that men should worry about as they age? Read on to know more about prostate enlargement. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urologic condition in older men wherein the prostate gland enlarges but is not considered as cancerous

Kidney Failure in Children

2008-10-12T15:09:00.004+08:00

The two kidneys, each about the size of a fist, are bean-shaped organs located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. It functions to remove wastes and excess water from the blood. In addition, the kidneys also regulate blood pressure  balance chemicals like sodium and potassium  produce hormones to help bones grow and also help stimulate production of red blood cells