Kidney Failure

Kidney failure occurs when one or both kidneys are not able to perform their usual functions. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs in the lower back. Their main function is to remove waste from the body and to balance the water and electrolyte content of the blood by filtering the salt and water in the blood. The waste and water excreted by the kidneys combine to form urine.

Kidney failure is divided into acute and chronic.

* Acute kidney failure —sudden loss of kidney function
* Chronic kidney failure —slow, gradual loss of kidney function

If kidney function is reduced to 20% of normal function, serious health problems develop. When kidney function decreases to 10%-15% of normal, dialysis or a transplant is needed to maintain life.