kidney overview for patients
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Your kidneys are two small, bean-shaped organs located on each side of your back, just below your ribs. They filter waste and extra fluid from your blood, help control your blood pressure, make red blood cells, and keep your bones strong.
Key facts
- Most people can live with one healthy kidney if the other is damaged or removed.
- Kidney disease often has no symptoms in the early stages.
- Simple blood and urine tests can show how well your kidneys are working.
Kidney problems are common, especially in older adults, and many people do not know they have kidney damage until it is found on a routine test.
Kidney problems can affect anyone, but you have a higher risk if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney disease, or you are over 60.
Symptoms
- You stop producing urine – call your local emergency number right away
- You have severe difficulty breathing – call your local emergency number right away
- You feel new chest pain or pressure – call your local emergency number right away
- You have a seizure or lose consciousness – call your local emergency number right away
- ⚠You see blood in your urine and there is no clear explanation – seek same-day care
- ⚠You have severe pain in your lower back or side – seek same-day care
- ⚠You have a fever along with back pain or burning when you urinate – seek same-day care
- ⚠Your hands or face swell suddenly – seek same-day care
Common symptoms
- Blood in your urine (pink, red, or cola-coloured)
- Foamy or bubbly urine
- Swelling in your hands, feet, or face
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Itchy skin
- Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
Symptoms in children
- Not growing or gaining weight as expected
- Swelling around the eyes
- Pale skin and low energy
- Frequent urinary tract infections
Symptoms in older adults
- Feeling confused or more unwell than usual
- Losing your appetite
- Swelling in your ankles or legs
- Sleep problems
- Needing to urinate more often at night
Causes
Risk factors
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Family history of kidney disease or kidney failure
- Being over 60
- Being born with small or abnormal kidneys
- Taking certain over-the-counter pain medicines very often
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- See a doctor the same day if you have blood in your urine, severe back or side pain, or sudden swelling in your face or hands.
Book a routine appointment if:
- See a doctor for a routine check if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, and you have not had a kidney test recently.
Diagnosis
Your doctor can check how well your kidneys are filtering your blood with a blood test and a urine test. These tests measure waste products like creatinine and look for protein or blood in your urine.
Tests that may be done
- A blood test to measure kidney function (called GFR)
- A urine test to check for protein or blood
- An ultrasound or CT scan to look at the size and shape of your kidneys
- A kidney biopsy, where a small sample of kidney tissue is taken, if needed
What to expect at your appointment
The tests are usually simple and painless. You will provide a small urine sample in a cup, and blood will be taken from your arm. Imaging scans are done at a clinic or hospital and usually take about 30 minutes. A biopsy is done with a thin needle and local numbing medicine.
Treatment
Treatment depends on what is causing the kidney problem and how far it has progressed. The main goals are to slow down further damage, manage symptoms, and keep you as healthy as possible.
Self-care at home
- Drink enough water, usually 6 to 8 glasses a day, unless your doctor says otherwise
- Eat a balanced diet with less salt
- Stay active with walking or other gentle exercise
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
- Do not take over-the-counter pain medicines regularly without asking your doctor
Medical treatments
Your doctor may prescribe medicines to control blood pressure, lower blood sugar, or reduce protein in your urine. Some people need treatment for anaemia, which is a low number of red blood cells, or to protect their bones. If your kidneys fail completely, you may need dialysis, which is a machine that filters your blood, or a kidney transplant. Your healthcare team will explain the options and help you decide what is right for you.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery may be considered if a kidney is severely damaged by cancer, polycystic kidney disease, or a serious injury. Many kidney operations are done using small cuts, and most people recover within a few weeks.
Living with this condition
Live one day at a time. Keep your regular kidney clinic appointments, take any prescribed medicines as directed, and tell your doctor about new symptoms. Many people with kidney disease continue to work, travel, and enjoy life.
Lifestyle tips
- Learn to read food labels and choose lower-salt options
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of gentle activity on most days
- Work toward a healthy weight, even a small loss can help
- Talk openly with family and friends about how you feel
Diet and exercise
A kidney-friendly diet usually means eating less salt and choosing more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. If your kidney function is very low, you may need to limit foods high in potassium and phosphorus. A dietitian can give you a plan that fits your life. Exercise such as walking, cycling, or swimming helps control blood pressure and keeps your heart strong.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Living with a kidney condition can feel stressful or overwhelming. It is normal to feel worried, anxious, or sad at times. Talking with a counsellor or joining a support group can help you feel less alone.
Prevention
You cannot always prevent kidney disease, but you can lower your risk by staying active, eating healthy, drinking enough water, and managing diabetes and high blood pressure carefully.
Vaccines
People with kidney disease have a higher risk of infections. Talk to your doctor about vaccines for flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19.
Screening programmes
If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, your doctor should check your kidney function at least once a year. Early testing can catch problems before they become serious.
Complications
If left untreated
- Kidney failure, which may require dialysis or a kidney transplant
- Heart and blood vessel disease
- Weak bones and a higher risk of fractures
- Anaemia, which means you have too few red blood cells
- High potassium levels in the blood, which can affect your heart
Long-term outlook
Many people with kidney disease live full, active lives for many years. Early treatment helps slow the condition down. Some people eventually need dialysis or a transplant, but many continue to work, travel, and enjoy time with loved ones. Your healthcare team is there to support you at every step.
Find support
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
Related conditions
Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 31, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.