The major role of the kidneys is to remove waste from the blood and eliminate it in the urine. To remove this waste and extra water, blood enters the kidney through the renal artery; blood is then cleaned in the kidney as it passes through tiny filters called nephrons. Cleaned blood returns to the body by the renal vein. Waste and extra water removed by the kidney passes through a tube called the ureter to the bladder where it is stored as urine or wee. When the bladder is full, the urine passes out of the body through another tube called the urethra.

 

What is the role of your kidneys in keeping you healthy?

• Act as filters for your body
• Control blood pressure
• Make red blood cells, and
• Maintain strong and healthy bones
  

Download the latest Kidney and Urinary Fast Facts document for more information.

The following are the different stages of Chronic Kidney Disease used by doctors to determine the severity of CKD:

 

Early stages - small amount of kidney damage, often there are no symptoms in the early stages of kidney disease, blood tests can be normal.

 

Middle stages - sometimes discovered because the level of waste product in the blood rises. Some people begin to feel unwell and notice an increase in urine frequency.

 

Later stages - High blood pressure almost always occurs and you may start to notice changes in the amount of urine you pass. Individuals will have a lack of energy, increased tiredness and reduced appetite are common symptoms.

 

End-stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) - The kidneys are only functioning are 10-15 per cent of their capacity and are unable to properly filter waste products, remove extra water from the body and help maintain the blood's chemical balance. This is the time to consider commencing dialysis or having a kidney transplant.

 

Download our Chronic Kidney Disease Fact Sheet, for more information

One in every three Australians is at increased risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease. Adult Australian are at increased risk if they:

• Have diabetes
• Have high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Are obese
• Have a family history of CKD
• Are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
• Are over 50 years of age, or
• Are smokers

If you fall into any of the above seven categories, we highly recommend that you see a doctor and have a kidney function test. There are no warning signs for CKD and individuals can lose up to 90% of their kidney function before they feel any symptoms and by then it's too late. Early intervention can reduce CKD progression and cardiovascular risk by 50%, and improves quality of life.
For more information of what to ask your doctor, click here.