Kidney Health Problems

The kidneys are organs that filter blood, water and waste products, and regulate chemicals in the body. When health problems affect the kidneys, other bodily structures, such as the arteries, can be affected because their functions are connected to the kidneys' functions.

Kidney Infection

• A kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection that spreads to the kidneys from the bladder or urethra. It causes symptoms such as a frequent need to urinate, pain in the groin, a burning sensation during urination and/or pus or blood in the urine.

Diabetes

• According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is a disease that can cause the kidneys to overcompensate for high blood-sugar levels by over-filtering blood and wastes. It causes increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, blurred vision and/or increased hunger.

Nephrotoxicity

• Nephrotoxicity is kidney damage caused by drugs or toxins, according to chemocare.com. The condition often causes symptoms such as high blood pressure, seizures and/or an imbalance of water and electrolytes in the body.

Kidney Stones

• According to Urology Channel, kidney stones are mineral deposits formed from undissolved waste products. They cause symptoms such as pain in the side, back, abdomen and/or groin, painful urination and/or a frequent need to urinate.

Kidney Disease

• Kidney disease is a medical condition that can cause kidney failure. It often results in an excess of waste products in the blood. Symptoms of the disease include high blood pressure, anemia, swelling in the legs, ankles, face and/or hands, and/or blood in the urine.