The kidneys are two small, bean-shaped organs found in your lower back, one on each side of your spine. Each kidney is about the size of a fist. Despite their small size, kidneys play a big role in your overall health. They’re part of your body’s urinary system and work continuously to keep your blood clean. Each day, your kidneys filter around 200 liters of blood, removing waste and balancing fluids. You may not feel them working, but they’re always busy behind the scenes.
Your kidneys act like powerful filters for your body. They work hard to keep you healthy by:
In short, your kidneys do a lot more than make urine — they keep your body working properly!
Kidney disease means your kidneys are not able to work as well as they should. There are two main types:
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) — develops slowly, damage is permanent, and it often has no early symptoms.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) — happens suddenly, and is usually temporary or reversible if caught early.
Early symptoms: facial puffiness (especially around the eyes), swelling of the ankles/feet/legs, tiredness and weakness, poor appetite or weight loss.
Later/severe symptoms: shortness of breath, itchy skin, muscle cramps, nausea, headaches, erectile dysfunction, blood in urine.
See a doctor if you notice any of the symptoms above, ask for a nephrologist referral if you have risk factors, and seek emergency care if symptoms come on suddenly or severely.
Learn more about how dialysis works and what to expect on our Hemodialysis page, or check your Stage of CKD to understand what treatment options may apply to you. Our clinicians are also on hand to answer any questions.