Kidneys are bean-shaped organs that sit behind your stomach. There is a kidney on either side of your spine, just below your ribcage.
Did you know? Many people can lead a healthy life with just one kidney.
Kidneys are an important part of the urinary tract. Your task is:
- Filter your blood
- Remove waste and excess water that leaves your body as urine
- Maintain the correct acid-base balance (pH) in your blood
- Balance the electrolytes in your body
- Help control blood pressure
What are electrolytes?
Electrolytes are minerals, including sodium and potassium, that support muscle and nerve function.
Kidneys also produce hormones that help your body:
- Make red blood cells
- Absorb calcium and keep bones strong
Some common medical conditions that can affect your kidneys include:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
- Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma)
- Kidney failure
- Infections
- cysts
Kidney stones can sometimes damage your kidneys if they block the flow of urine or lead to an infection, especially if they occur frequently.
Did you know? Kidney stones are hard deposits that form when salts and minerals like calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, and uric acid stick together in your urine.
There are 4 types of kidney stones:
- Calcium stones
- Uric acid stones
- Struvite stones
- cystine stones
Kidney stones occur for many reasons, but in rare cases they can be the first sign of a genetic condition called primary hyperoxaluria.
People with primary hyperoxaluria:
- Being born with this condition (primary)
- Producing too much oxalate (hyperoxaluria)
Your kidneys cleanse the body of oxalate (a waste product). Excess oxalate can combine with calcium and form calcium oxalate crystals, which can become kidney stones.
Get your kidney stones tested
If you pass a stone or have one removed, a test can help your doctor figure out what type it is, what may have caused it, and how you can reduce your risk of future stones.
This educational resource was created with support from Alnylam.
