We have two kidneys in our body. Bean shaped, one is on the right and one on the left. Its size in a full grown adult is around 11 centimeters. It is attached to a ureter which is a thin tube that carries urine to the bladder. Each one of them contains nephrons which are millions in number. One interesting fact about this organ is that even though you have only 10 percent of it in working condition, the symptoms may not be experienced by you. The diseases of this part can be severe and some cases are only solved with the help of a transplant.

Before going ahead with its diseases, it is important to know about its function -

• They help in removing variety of water soluble waste products such as urine.

• Production of hormones is also its function. They produce erythropoietin which stimulates red blood cell synthesis.

• They ensure adequate quantity of plasma which in turn keeps the blood flowing to vital organs.

• It regulates PH level by preventing blood plasma from becoming too acidic or basic.

• Constant level of key ions including sodium, potassium and calcium are maintained by it.

• It helps in regulation of osmolarity by keeping extracellular fluid from becoming diluted or concentrated with respect to the solutes.

Some of the common kidney conditions are -

• Stones

These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that are formed inside the kidneys. They can affect any part of the urinary tract- kidney or bladder. They are formed when urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together. Although they don't cause any permanent damage but they come with excruciating pain which can be unbearable at times. This pain radiates to the lower abdomen and groin. There is pain even while urinating. Calcium struvite, uric acid and cystine are some types of stones. Small stones are treated by drinking lots of water and pain relievers and large stones need surgery.

• Chronic disease

It is also known as chronic failure and explains the loss of function of the kidney in gradual manner. There is buildup of dangerous levels of fluid, electrolyte and wastes in chronic disease. It is a dangerous condition as there are no symptoms until the kidney has become significantly impaired. The process of damage is slow and the symptoms comprise of nausea, vomiting, increase in urinating pattern etc. Conditions such as Glomerulonephritis, Interstitial nephritis, type 1 and type 2 diabetes etc. are the main reasons for this disease to occur.

• End stage renal disease

End stage renal disease also occurs when kidney disease reaches advanced stage. It is not able to work as well as it should be. It is considered as a critical disease in which treatment is given only by dialysis or transplant. Signs and symptoms include loss of appetite, sleep problems, changes in how much you urinate, High blood pressure that's difficult to control.

Kidney specialists recommend either dialysis or transplant for treating the aforementioned diseases of the kidney. These two are the only options present as of now if you want to live a long and healthy life.

• Dialysis

It is a treatment option in which an artificial machine is attached to the body which takes over the function of the kidney. There are two types of dialysis. In hemodialysis, blood is put through a filter outside the body and in peritoneal dialysis a special fluid is put inside the body to absorb waste from the blood.

• Kidney transplant

Kidney transplant is the procedure of transferring kidney from a healthy person into the body of a person who has no kidney function. The donor may be living or deceased one. It is needed when you are suffering from end stage renal failure. Incisions are made to place the new kidney in the abdomen. Your old one is left in its place unless it is causing a problem. Blood vessels and ureter is connected to the blood vessels and bladder respectively.