Day: December 13, 2023

What are kidneys? The kidneys are organs that sit at the back of your abdomen (tummy). They are found below your ribs on either side of your spine. The kidneys are shaped like a bean and are about the size of your fist. Each kidney weighs about 150 grams. Most people are born with 2 kidneys. The right kidney is often a little lower than the left. What do kidneys do? Kidneys are very important to your overall health. Your kidneys have 3 main roles. 1. Filtering blood Your kidneys filter your blood, removing waste products that are then removed

What is a kidney transplant? A kidney transplant is a surgical operation to place a healthy kidney from another person into someone whose kidneys are no longer working properly. If you have severe (‘end-stage’) kidney failure, your body can’t get rid of extra fluid and waste products. This can cause you to become very sick and is life threatening. Once your kidneys have stopped working, your treatment options include dialysis or a kidney transplant. A transplant may offer you a longer life and a better quality of life than dialysis. Read more about organ transplants. Am I a good candidate for a kidney transplant? Your healthcare

What are kidney stones? Your kidneys are part of your urinary system. Kidneys have several important functions including cleaning your blood to remove waste products into urine (wee). Urine contains many waste chemicals which can clump together into hard crystals. These hard crystals are kidney stones. They can range in size from as small as a grain of sand to as big as a golf ball. There are many types of kidney stones. They can be made from: calcium oxalate calcium phosphate uric acid cystine Less common types of kidney stones are called struvite stones or cystine stones. Kidney stones can be painful

What is a kidney infection? A kidney infection is one type of urinary tract infection (UTI). It may begin in a different part of the urinary tract, such as the urethra (tube that carries urine from the body) or bladder, and travel to one or both kidneys. What causes a kidney infection? Kidney infections are usually caused by bacteria. The bacteria can spread to the kidneys from a bacterial infection in the bladder. You may be at a higher risk of getting a kidney infection if: you are female you have diabetes you have a blockage in your urinary tract you have a structural problem with

What is kidney failure? Kidney failure, also called renal failure, is when your kidneys no longer work properly. Your kidneys’ main job is to clean your blood and make urine (wee). When the kidneys do not work properly, waste and fluid builds up in your body. There are 2 main types of kidney failure: acute kidney failure (also called acute renal failure, or acute kidney injury) chronic kidney disease Acute kidney failure Acute kidney failure is the short-term loss of kidney function. It can develop quickly — over a few hours or days. It can be due to: an injury or illness

What is the ketogenic diet? A ketogenic (or ‘keto’) diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet. While it has benefits as a medical treatment for certain groups of people, there is little evidence to support it as a long-term weight loss diet. When you are on a ketogenic diet, you eat a very small amount of carbohydrates, some protein and a high amount of fat every day. Your body breaks down fat into ‘ketone bodies’ (or ‘ketones’) as energy through a process called ketosis. Some parts of your body, such as the brain and red blood cells, need glucose to work

What is ketamine? Ketamine is a medicine used by doctors and vets as a pain killer and a sedative. It stops your brain from interpreting pain messages. It’s being studied as a medicine for depression. It’s also used illegally for its hallucinogenic ‘high’ effect. If bought illegally, it comes as a white powder that can be made into tablets or dissolved into a clear liquid. Ketamine can be: swallowed snorted injected inserted anally (up your bottom) smoked with cannabis or tobacco Sometimes ketamine is sold as ecstasy. It’s sometimes used to spike people’s drinks. Ketamine is also known as: special K K ket

What is keratosis pilaris? Keratosis pilaris is a common, mostly harmless skin condition that causes small, rough, white or reddish bumps or patches on the skin. While it can occur at any age, keratosis pilaris most commonly affects children and adolescents. The symptoms often improve and then disappear entirely early in adult life. What are the symptoms of keratosis pilaris? Keratosis pilaris usually results in small, hard, flesh-coloured or white lumps, which can have an acne-like or rough appearance. The bumps, which can pepper the skin, are commonly found on areas of dry skin on the upper arms, thighs, chest and, sometimes,

What is Kawasaki disease? Kawasaki disease is a rare illness that mostly affects children under 5 years of age. The exact cause is unknown, but it involve swelling of the blood vessels, including those that lead to the heart. When blood vessels are inflamed, it is called vasculitis. Kawasaki disease is a collection of symptoms caused by vasculitis. What are the symptoms of Kawasaki disease? If your child has Kawasaki disease, their symptoms may include: a fever that lasts for at least 5 days a rash on the trunk, limbs and around the nappy area red, bloodshot eyes without discharge red, swollen, cracked

Kava (also known as ‘kava kava’ or Piper methysticum) is a drug made from the roots of a plant in the pepper family. It has traditionally been cultivated by Pacific Islanders for use as a social and ceremonial drink – either ground or chewed up and mixed with water or coconut milk. Kava was introduced to some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the north of Australia in the early 1980s as a substitute for alcohol.  Kava can affect people differently. Initial effects commonly include: feeling happy sleepiness numbness around the mouth If a larger amount of kava is consumed,