Nephrology is the study of the function and diseases of the kidney and related organs. Diseases of the kidneys can impact other organ systems in the body. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often related to kidney disease.
The kidneys are organs that cleanse the blood by removing waste and excess fluids. They also have a role in maintaining a healthful balance of various body chemicals, and help to regulate blood pressure.
When the kidneys become diseased or damaged, they can suddenly or gradually lose their ability to perform these vital functions. Waste products and excess fluid then build up inside the body, causing a variety of symptoms, particularly swelling of the hands and feet, shortness of breath, and a frequent urge to urinate. If left untreated, diseased kidneys may eventually stop functioning. Loss of kidney function is a very serious and potentially fatal condition.
Kidney, or renal, disease is classified as either acute (when loss of function occurs suddenly) or chronic (when deterioration takes place gradually, perhaps over a period of years). The chronic form can be particularly insidious: it may not show any symptoms until considerable, often irreparable damage has been done.
