Our cover story this week is Kidney Diseases. The kidneys, a pair of bean-shaped organ, are located at the bottom of the ribcage in the right and left sides of the back. The kidneys receive blood from the aorta, filter it and send it back to the heart with the right balance of chemicals and fluid for use throughout body.  This year the world observes Kidney Day on 8 March with the  theme ‘Kidneys & Women’s Health: Include, Value, Empower’. We dedicate this issue to the World Kidney Day.

The urine created by the kidneys is moved out of the body via the urinary tract. The main function of the kidneys is to control the quantity and quality of fluids within the body. They also produce hormones and vitamines that direct cell activities in many organs; the hormone renin for example, helps control blood pressure.

When the kidneys are not working properly, waste products and fluid can build up to dangerous levels, creating a life threatening situation. Though diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of chronic kidney failure, any disease that affect the blood vessels, including atherosclerosis can impair the kidney's ability to filter blood and regulate fluids in the body.

Disease and infection in other parts of the body can also trigger a kidney disorder. Also in any situation where there is severe blood loss or reduced blood flow may prevent the kidneys from working correctly. Severe dehydration, some aortic and heart surgeries, a severe infection in the blood or heart, and severe heart failure are examples of events that can lead to sudden kidney problems.