It is hard to put a number on how many people die of kidney failure each year; the number may very well be in millions. It is essential to know the risks and what need to be done to avoid this disease.

The kidneys: There are two kidneys Kidneys are located on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage Kidneys are about the size of a fist The kidneys are shaped like kidney beans Kidneys are connected to bladder by tubes called ureters What do kidneys do? Kidneys may be best described as filters in your body. Kidneys keep things in your body that are required and reject the things that you don’t need. There are many other things kidneys do and they include: Make urine Remove waste and extra fluid from your blood Help control your blood pressure Make red blood cells Balance hormones Balance body chemicals Maintain healthy bones

Symptoms and early signs of kidney disease:
Kidney disease refers to a variety of diseases. CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) is the term coined to describe a common kidney disease that may be caused by many different diseases e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure, some drugs, physical injury etc.
There are no early symptoms of kidney disease. There are no early symptoms of kidney disease. Yes, you are right the previous sentence was written twice to emphasize the fact that there are no early symptoms until the disease is almost at a chronic state.
Speak with your doctor if you:

• Often feel sick to your stomach
• feel tired or dizzy
• have swelling in your feet, hands or face
• have back pain
• have bloody, foamy or dark colored urine
• need to urinate more or less than usual

Common kidney diseases:

Kidney Stones: Stones may be caused by numerous reasons and could be very painful. Stones can also cause urine blockage and may cause you to have blood in your urine. Stones are quite common however; rarely cause permanent damage to kidneys.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): A genetic disorder where numerous cysts grow in the kidneys PKD cysts can slowly replace much of the mass of the kidneys and can lead to kidney failure.
Kidney Infections: Kidney infections are usually caused by bacteria that spread from the bladder and is known as Pyelonephritis.
Simple Kidney Cysts: Abnormal pouches of fluid in the kidneys. Unless the cysts cause pain, bleed or become infected, they usually do not require treatment. Direct blow to the kidneys must be avoided and in some cases may need to be closely monitored by your doctor.
Kidney Cancer: This disease may cause one or more tumors in the kidney.
Nephrotic Syndrome: It is not a disease but a sign of another disease that damage the kidneys. Signs may include protein in the urine, low blood protein and swelling.

It is very important to address any kidney disease symptoms immediately. Any untreated symptoms may lead to kidney failure.