What are the side effects of living with one kidney?
Most people with a single kidney live a normal life without developing any long- or short-term problems. However, the risk of developing mild high blood pressure, fluid retention, and proteinuria is slightly higher if you have one kidney instead of two.
Is having 1 kidney a medical condition?
A person may be born with only one kidney. This condition is called renal agenesis. Another condition, which is called kidney dysplasia, causes a person to be born with two kidneys, but only one of them works. Most people who are born without a kidney (or with only one working kidney) lead normal, healthy lives.
Is having one kidney considered kidney disease?
Solitary kidney is a condition in which a person has a single kidney instead of two kidneys. A person may be born with one kidney (renal agenesis), have two kidneys but only one functional (renal dysplasia) or lose one kidney to a disease, such as kidney cancer.
Can you live without kidneys?
Because your kidneys are so important, you cannot live without them. But it is possible to live a perfectly healthy life with only one working kidney.
What can I eat with only one kidney?
Diet. Majority of people with a solitary kidney do not need to stick to a particular diet, although they should maintain a healthy, low-fat diet that includes grains, vegetables, and fruits. If they already have high blood pressure, salt intake should be minimized.
When should a kidney be removed?
Damaged kidney Reasons for removal include damage or scarring. These may be due to disease, injury, or infection. Cancer is another reason to remove a kidney. If a kidney tumor is small and you catch it early, only part of your kidney may need to be removed.
Can you pee without kidneys?
If you have both kidneys completely removed, you will not make any urine. You will need to have kidney dialysis. This is a way of getting rid of waste products and excess water that the kidneys normally filter out of your blood.