What problem would a person mostly have if her kidneys did not work correctly?
The kidneys play several vital roles in the body, including:
- Regulating blood pressure: The kidneys help to regulate blood pressure by controlling the amount of sodium and water in the body. If the kidneys do not work correctly, they may not be able to properly regulate blood pressure, leading to high blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension).
- Filtering out waste products: The kidneys filter waste products from the blood, such as urea, creatinine, and uric acid. If the kidneys do not work correctly, these waste products can build up in the blood, leading to a condition called uremia. Uremia can cause various symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and confusion.
- Producing red blood cells: The kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin, which stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. If the kidneys do not work correctly, erythropoietin levels may be low, leading to a condition called anemia. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
- Regulating calcium and bone metabolism: The kidneys help regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the body, which is essential for healthy bones. If the kidneys do not work correctly, calcium and phosphate levels may be too high or too low, leading to bone problems, such as osteoporosis or kidney stones.
- Maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance: The kidneys help regulate the body's fluid and electrolyte balance, which is essential for many bodily functions, such as muscle contraction and nerve conduction. If the kidneys do not work correctly, fluid and electrolyte imbalances may occur, leading to symptoms such as edema (swelling), muscle weakness, and confusion.
In summary, if a person's kidneys did not work correctly, they would likely have problems with blood pressure regulation, waste product removal, red blood cell production, calcium and bone metabolism, and fluid and electrolyte balance.