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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

Kidneys

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

Read more

Chronic kidney disease

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

Read more

Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)

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

Read more

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.

Read more

Kidney stones

Kidney stones are also known as urolithiasis. This is a common problem of the urinary system. Find out more about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Read more

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).

Read more

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.

Read more

Dialysis

Dialysis is a way to artificially clean the blood if your kidneys can't cope. Learn about the different types and how to live an active life when you are on dialysis.

Read more

Urinary system

Your urinary system removes waste from your blood in the form of urine, as well as having other important functions. Learn how to keep it healthy.

Read more

The urinary tract

The urinary tract can become infected, usually by bacteria entering the urethra. Learn more about the symptoms of an infection and get self care tips here.

Read more

The role of a urologist

Urologists are surgeons who specialise in treating problems of the kidneys, bladder, urethra and adrenal glands in men, women and children.

Read more

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.

Read more

Bladder

Your bladder stores urine. It works with the kidneys to rid the body of waste products through urine. Learn more about your bladder here.

Read more

Risk Checker

Find out if you're at risk of heart disease, kidney disease or type 2 diabetes in just a few minutes using the healthdirect Risk Checker.

Read more

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect men and women differently. Find out more about UTI symptoms, treatment and prevention, and when to seek medical help.

Read more

Diuretic medicines

Find out what diuretic medicine is used for, how it works, the most common diuretics and any side effects associated with taking it.

Read more

Find out your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease with this quick test

Healthdirect, with the George Institute, has developed a free online risk calculator to help prevent heart disease, kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.

Read more

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.

Read more

Amyloidosis

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

Read more

Adrenal glands

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

Read more

Rhabdomyolysis

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

Read more

Organ transplants

Organ transplants involve removing an organ from a donor and putting it into someone who may be very ill or dying. Find out what's involved here.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

Calcium blood test

A calcium test indicates how much calcium is in your blood. Find out how this test helps doctors diagnose or monitor and treat your illness.

Read more