Kidneys

The kidneys' main functions are to filter or 'clean' your blood of waste products and help control your blood pressure. Find out how they work.

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Kidney cancer

Kidney cancer (or renal cancer) grows in the cells of the kidneys. Treatments for kidney cancer are improving, especially if it is detected early.

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Kidney transplants

A kidney transplant is considered a long-term alternative to kidney dialysis. Find out what you need to consider before having the procedure.

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Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)

A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) can be serious, but will usually improve if treated promptly. Learn about symptoms and treatment here.

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Nephrostomy

Your ureters (the tubes that drain urine from the kidneys to the bladder) can become blocked. A nephrostomy is a procedure to drain urine from your kidney using a catheter (tube).

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Dialysis

Dialysis artificially cleans the blood if your kidneys can't cope. Learn about the different types and how to live an active life when on dialysis.

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Urinary system

Your urinary system removes waste from your blood and makes and stores urine. It includes your kidneys and bladder. Learn how to keep it healthy.

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Bladder

Your bladder stores urine (wee). It works with your kidneys to remove waste products through urine. Learn more about your bladder here.

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Kidney failure

Kidney failure (renal failure) is when your kidneys no longer work properly. Find out about the causes, symptoms and treatments for kidney failure.

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Kidney pain

Kidney pain is usually felt in your back. It can be a sign of a kidney problem. Find out about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of kidney pain.

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Kidney stones

Kidney stones are common and can cause severe pain, nausea and vomiting. Find out more about the treatment, symptoms and diagnosis of kidney stones.

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Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease is kidney disease that continues to get worse without improving. Find out more about chronic kidney disease.

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Kidney function blood tests

Kidney (renal) function tests are blood tests to check your kidney health. Read this to find out what is tested and what your results may mean.

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Ureteroscopy

A stone in a kidney or ureter can cause severe pain, infection and kidney damage. A ureteroscopy should treat a stone and help to find out if you have any problems in your kidneys and ureters.

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Nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome isn't a specific disease, but a set of problems from damaged kidneys. Learn about the condition, including symptoms and treatment.

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Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is a group of diseases that can affect the brain, heart, joints or kidneys. Learn about causes, diagnosis and treatment.

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Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome is a rare, life-threatening illness where your kidneys stop working properly, most common in children under 5 years.

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Adrenal glands

Find out more about your adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys. They make several important hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol.

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Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis is when muscle tissue breaks down causing a chemical release. It can be life-threatening. Read on for causes, symptoms and treatment.

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Diuretic medicines

Find out what diuretic medicines ('fluid tablets') are used for, how they work, the most common diuretics, and how to manage side effects.

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Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect males and females differently. Read about UTI symptoms, treatment and prevention, and when to get medical help.

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Blood in urine (haematuria)

There are many causes of blood in urine (wee), also called haematuria. Read about the causes, tests and when to see your doctor about blood in urine.

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Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)

ACE inhibitors and ARBs are commonly taken for hypertension. They work by relaxing your blood vessels. You shouldn’t take ACE inhibitors and ARBs together.

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Parathyroid glands

Your parathyroid glands are small glands that are found in your neck and make parathyroid hormone (PTH). Find out more about PTH here.

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Organ transplants

Organ transplants involve removing an organ from a donor and transplanting it into someone in need. Learn more about what's involved.

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Foods high in potassium

People need potassium in their diet so nerves and muscles function properly. Learn about which foods are good sources of potassium.

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Tuberous sclerosis

Tuberous sclerosis is a rare genetic disease that may affect many parts of your body, behaviour and thinking. There’s no cure, but it can be treated.

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The role of a urologist

Urologists are surgeons who treat problems of the urinary system. Find out when you may need to see a urologist and how they can help.

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Angioplasty

Angioplasty can be done to increase the flow of blood through a narrowed blood vessel. Learn how to prepare for angioplasty and what to expect.

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Blood tests A-Z

From the fasting blood glucose test to the prostate (PSA) test, there are many kinds of blood tests. Browse the index and learn how to prepare for your test.

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