Nephrology facts for kids

Nephrology (say "nef-ROL-uh-jee") is a special part of medicine that focuses on the kidneys. It's all about understanding how your kidneys normally work, what happens when they get sick, and how to keep them healthy. Doctors who specialize in this area are called nephrologists.

Nephrologists help people with kidney problems using different methods. This can include special diets, medicines, or even more advanced treatments like dialysis (a machine that cleans your blood when your kidneys can't) or a kidney transplantation (getting a new kidney).

The word "nephrology" comes from the Greek word nephros, which means "kidney." The "logy" part means "the study of." So, it literally means "the study of kidneys." This term started being used around 1960. Before that, people usually called it "kidney medicine."

What Do Kidneys Do?

Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, about the size of your fist, located on each side of your spine, just below your rib cage. They are super important for keeping your body healthy!

Kidneys as Filters

Think of your kidneys as amazing filters. Every day, they filter about 120 to 150 quarts of blood. They remove waste products, extra water, and toxins from your blood. These waste products then leave your body as urine.

Other Important Jobs

Kidneys do more than just filter blood. They also:

• Help control your blood pressure.
• Make hormones that help your body produce red blood cells.
• Keep your bones strong and healthy.
• Balance important chemicals in your body, like salt, potassium, and acid.

When Kidneys Get Sick

Sometimes, kidneys don't work as well as they should. This can happen for many reasons, like certain diseases or long-term health problems. When kidneys stop working properly, waste can build up in the body, which can make a person very sick.

Common Kidney Problems

Some common kidney problems that nephrologists treat include:

• Kidney disease: This is when the kidneys are damaged and can't filter blood well. It can get worse over time.
• Kidney stones: These are hard, pebble-like pieces of material that can form in the kidneys and cause pain.
• Kidney infections: These are usually caused by bacteria and can make you feel unwell.
• High blood pressure: If not controlled, high blood pressure can damage the kidneys over time.

How Nephrologists Help

Nephrologists are experts in diagnosing and treating all sorts of kidney conditions. They work to keep kidneys healthy and help people live better lives, even with kidney problems.

Treatments for Kidney Disease

Depending on the problem, a nephrologist might suggest different treatments:

• Medication: Taking special pills to help control blood pressure, reduce swelling, or manage other symptoms.
• Diet changes: Eating certain foods and avoiding others can help reduce the strain on your kidneys.
• Dialysis: If kidneys fail, dialysis machines can take over the job of filtering blood. There are two main types:
  • Hemodialysis: Blood is filtered outside the body using a machine.
  • Peritoneal dialysis: A special fluid is put into the belly to absorb waste, which is then drained out.
• Kidney transplant: For some people, getting a healthy kidney from a donor can be the best option. This is a big surgery, but it can give someone a new chance at a healthy life.

Keeping Your Kidneys Healthy

It's important to take care of your kidneys! Here are some tips:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly.
• Keep your blood pressure and blood sugar levels healthy.
• Don't take too many pain relievers, as some can harm your kidneys if used often.