KIDNEY FAILURE  Report By: Leon Eichler

About Kidneys  Kidneys are bean shaped.  Each kidney is about the size of a adult fist.  Kidneys are located near the middle of the back, below the rib cage.  Kidneys clean blood by getting rid of extra water and wastes  In one day a pair of kidneys process around 200 quarts of blood to get out about 2 quarts of waste or extra water. The waste later becomes urine.  Kidneys make hormones that keep bones strong and blood healthy.

When kidneys get rid of wastes, they release three hormones, that are… Erythropoietin – stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells. Renin- regulates blood pressure Calcitriol- an active form of vitamin D, which helps maintain calcium for bones and for a normal chemical balance in the body

Healthy and unhealthy kidneys Kidney

Causes of Kidney Failure Diabetes High blood pressure scarring from kidney infection in childhood,

Symptoms of kidney failure  Decrease in amount of urine  Generalized swelling, fluid retention  Changes in mood  Decreased appetite  Metallic taste in mouth  Persistent hiccups  Slow, sluggish, movements  Seizures  Nausea or vomiting, may last for days  Bruising easily  Nosebleeds  Bloody stools  Flank pain  Breath odor  High blood pressure  Yellowish-brown color of skin

KIDNEY TRANSPLANTS A kidney transplant is when someone donates a kidney to a person who’s other two kidneys have failed. There are different types of transplants for kidneys; a living-related donor, a cadaver donor, and living un-related donor. There are over 73,000 people that are on a waiting list for a kidney donor. There are about 12 patients that die every day waiting for a transplant. PROS AND CONS OF KIDNEY TRANSPLANTS Kidney transplant cons  It requires major surgery.  You may need to wait for a donor.  One transplant may not last a lifetime.  Your body may reject the new kidney.  You will have to take drugs for the rest of your life. Kidney transplant pros It works like a normal kidney. It helps you feel healthier. You have fewer diet restrictions. There's no need for dialysis

The ruler underneath is six inches long. Each kidney is about the size of a football and weighs 10 lbs.

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