Where is Your Kidney?

The kidneys are vital organs. While people can live with just one kidney, surviving without both is impossible. The kidneys filter waste products from the blood and excrete them through urine. But do you know where your kidneys are located in your body? Do you understand all their essential physiological functions? By the end of this post, you will.

Where is Your Kidney Located?

The Anatomy

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs about the size of your fist. They’re at the back of the abdominal cavity on either side of the spine. They are part of the urinary system along with the bladder and ureters, urethra, and renal pelvis.

They are retroperitoneal and, therefore, reside outside of the peritoneum. The peritoneum encloses most organs in the abdominal cavity and is known as intra-peritoneal organs.

These organs lie against the dorsal muscles, so kidney pain is usually felt in the lower back.

The rib cage protects them, along with the heart and lungs, from injuries. They typically run between the last thoracic vertebra and the third lumbar vertebra.

The Right vs. The Left

The kidneys are not positioned symmetrically due to the need to accommodate other organs.

The right kidney is slightly lower than the left one. The large size of the liver, which is also positioned on the right side of the body, fills the space above it.

The liver creates less space between the organ and the diaphragm on the left side. It reduces the length of the space within the abdominal cavity.

Functions

Knowing how the kidneys work and what they do is essential. Here are their critical functions:

The body filters 120 to 150 quarts of blood daily. One to two quarts of urine are produced to remove waste products and excess water from the body.
They regulate and balance electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and calcium.
They maintain consistent blood pressure by controlling blood volume and arterial vasoconstriction.
EPO is a hormone that stimulates bone marrow cells, which assists with regulating the production of red blood cells.
Your body regulates acid to optimize the internal pH environment for various biochemical and physiological processes.

Tips for Healthy Kidneys

Proper maintenance of your kidney health is vital to improving and maintaining your overall well-being. Here’s how to keep them functioning optimally.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water daily helps eliminate sodium, urea, and other toxins from the body. Optimal hydration reduces the chances of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and chronic kidney problems.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Eat foods low in sodium and avoid processed meats and other foods high in oxalates and nitrates. Eating well reduces the chance of developing kidney stones. It also decreases the chances of developing different types of kidney damage.

Get Regular Exercise

Physical activity maintains healthy blood pressure levels and promotes optimal health. Physical activity helps keep blood pressure levels in check, which is essential since high blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney damage. Engaging in activities like walking, swimming, cycling, or even yoga can improve circulation and ensure that your kidneys receive adequate blood flow.

Monitor Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Levels

High blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes are risk factors for kidney disease. Both conditions can damage your blood vessels, affecting kidney function over time. Keeping these conditions under control will protect your body from dysfunction and disease.

Attend annual check-ups with your healthcare provider, especially if you have risk factors. Bloodwork screening will check for kidney issues such as infection, kidney cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and polycystic kidney disease.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Kidney health can deteriorate silently until symptoms become severe. Early signs of kidney issues can include fatigue, changes in urine output, swelling, and back pain. It’s essential to seek medical advice if you experience any of these symptoms. Tip: Regular check-ups can detect kidney issues before they escalate.

Why Awareness Is Important

Your kidneys work hard at filtering waste and regulating blood pressure to support your overall health. They perform the crucial functions necessary for life and homeostasis in the body.

Knowledge of both the location and function of your kidneys emphasizes why it’s essential to maintain optimal health. Pain in your sides could be an early warning sign that, if left untreated, can lead to a kidney infection. You can keep your kidney healthy and strong with a few lifestyle changes and regular medical check-ups.

UROHEALTH PARTNERS

The attentive, compassionate physicians, providers, and staff at UroHealth Partners are committed to providing innovative, quality patient care in our state-of-the-art facility.

From screening and prevention to treatment and recovery, our health professionals will be there for you. Our team of dedicated physicians has been serving residents of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota for more than 25 years.

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Incontinence happens to many athletes, but it’s almost never talked about outside the context of memes and message boards. Specifically, stress incontinence is what happens when fluid leaks out of the bladder during physical stressors. Running – if you haven’t guessed it yet – is one such stressor that can cause stress incontinence and other bladder problems.

Can Running Cause Bladder Problems?

The short answer is yes, however, it’s a manageable condition and doesn’t just happen to runners. Continue reading to discover how to manage stress incontinence more effectively.

Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence is urine leakage, usually minimal, and happens when the bladder undergoes any physical stress – such as lifting weights or running. It can happen to anyone, and it doesn’t have to be a permanent problem for it to be an inconvenience.

Many runners will wonder:

Why is my bladder leaking while running?
What can I do to have better bladder control?
Does it indicate anything serious about my health?

Stress Incontinence: It Can Happen To Anyone

Stress incontinence can happen to anyone. Being physically active, older, or putting stress on your bladder can increase the likelihood of having this condition. Physical activity, age, and bladder stress can all contribute to the development of this condition. Exercise, being older, or experiencing bladder pressure can raise the chances of having this condition.

The problem can be minimal but if not addressed, can become a more serious concern.

Why Running Causes Bladder Problems

Running triggers bladder discomfort (and occasional incontinence) because of its physical stress on pelvic floor muscles. Weak pelvic floor muscles make temporary urinary incontinence more likely to happen and are more common in women.

Running is a high-impact and high-stress activity. You can’t always stop to relieve yourself in the middle of a race!

Symptoms of Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence happens during high-stress physical activities. The up-and-down movements of running puts pressure on the bladder.

If you continue experiencing incontinence or it varies in intensity, see a doctor. Other conditions can worsen incontinence. Usually, incontinence on its own isn’t painful or uncomfortable. If it is, you should get an examination to establish the underlying cause.

What Can You Do About Urinary Incontinence?

The first step is noticing when it happens!

Start by adjusting your fluid intake. Drink less water (or drink water at a different time than you normally would). However, don’t risk dehydrating in an attempt to relieve yourself. That’s counterproductive for any sporting amateur or professional.

Next, you can do pelvic floor exercises, known as Kegel exercises. These exercises can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and reduce the likelihood of incontinence.

The final step is to see a urology specialist. A urologist can help determine the right steps to control, minimize, or stop bladder leaks and their impact.

There can be other potential causes of stress incontinence. Seeing a professional can help you determine the cause. For example, bladder infections can cause many of the same symptoms, though more permanent and uncomfortable.

Can You Take Medication For Running Bladder Problems?

Sometimes, yes. It depends on what’s causing your specific type of incontinence. It can be related to running or caused by other problems such as a urinary tract infection.

See a professional rather than guessing at your symptoms.

Most cases of running and bladder problems are temporary, but they can also have other causes. Sometimes the bladder’s lining is naturally thickened, leading to a higher likelihood of incontinence and other issues.

Speak to your doctor to examine what’s triggering your specific condition. Some people have turned to deep breathing and relaxation techniques to help with the strong urge to urinate.

UROHEALTH PARTNERS

The attentive, compassionate physicians, providers, and staff at UroHealth Partners are committed to providing innovative, quality patient care in our state-of-the-art facility.

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Around 40% of women in America experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some stage in their life. Approximately one out of every ten post-menopausal women experienced a UTI in 2023. If you’re dealing with the condition, know it’s common and not alone. There are plenty of myths surrounding UTIs, and this post intends to bust these myths and give you the truth about UTIs.

Myth vs. Fact: Urinary Tract Infection

UTI’s Explained

UTIs affect the urinary tract, infecting areas like the urethra, bladder, and kidneys. However, most of these infections occur in the bladder. While some women experience symptoms of UTI, others don’t present any. When symptoms do appear, they may manifest as:

Burning feeling during urination
A strong urge to urinate
Frequent urination
Pelvic pain
Discolored, pink urine

Some women may experience fatigue, chills, pain, or fever from the infection. Typically, severe symptoms indicate a spread of the infection outside the lower urinary tract into the bloodstream or kidneys.

Here Are Some Common Myths and Truths About Urinary Tract Infections

Myth – UITs only affect women; men don’t get them.

Fact—Both men and women can experience a UTI. However, they are more common in women since they have shorter urethras than men. The bacteria causing the infection can easily reach the bladder due to the shorter distance to travel, where symptoms manifest themselves.

Post-menopausal women have a higher risk factor of developing UTIs. This is because of the changes they experience in urethral and vaginal tissues as estrogen levels decline.

Antibiotics And Treatment

Myth – UTIs require treatment with a course of antibiotics.

Fact – Most UTIs resolve themselves without any medical or pharmacological intervention. Some people may not experience symptoms of UTI. The bacteria causing the condition is “asymptomatic bacteriuria,” the pathogen may not cause symptoms in some people.

However, some people require medical treatment for UTI. Pregnant women, older adults undergoing urologic surgery, or those with weakened immune systems may require a course of antibiotics.

If a urine culture is done and increased white blood cells are present, it’s often a sign of an infection in the urinary tract. Doctors may administer antibiotics to patients experiencing painful symptoms.

Myth – A UTI self-resolves without treatment.

Fact – While asymptomatic bacteriuria infections will self-resolve without complications, some severe UTIs require antibiotic intervention. This may be necessary to resolve the problem and restore the patient’s health. This is true, especially in people who experience symptoms alongside the infection. Speak to your doctor if you experience pain, burning, or urinary frequency symptoms.

Myth – Drinking cranberry juice resolves UTIs

Fact – Cranberry juice contains antimicrobial compounds that can prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder lining. However, it’s not an effective treatment for eliminating a UTI.

Most cranberry juice products from the local grocery store contain excess sugar and additives that can worsen the infection. Be sure to drink plenty of water to flush the urinary system.

Symptoms

Myth – A UTI always presents symptoms.

Fact—Many UTIs cause symptoms in patients. Common effects include an increase in the feeling you need to urinate or a burning sensation when peeing. However, many patients never experience symptoms.

You can get a bladder infection and not even know you have one. It’s more common for people using catheters to empty their bladders to experience infection with asymptomatic bacteriuria.

Myth – A UTI is a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Fact – Sexual activity can increase the risk of a UTI. It’s not a pathogen that spreads through sexual contact like an STI. However, sex can cause bacteria to enter the urethra, causing an infection.

You can prevent UTI risk by peeing after sexual intercourse to flush the bacteria away. A UTI is not a contagious disease, and partners aren’t at risk of spreading the disease between each other.

Myth – Holding in your urine can cause a UTI.

Fact—At some point, everyone ends up holding their urge to pee for longer than they should. That doesn’t mean you’ll develop a UTI. However, it can result in the buildup of bacteria in the bladder and urinary system. The more bacteria in the urinary system, the higher the risk of developing a UTI or kidney infection.

Key Takeaways

If you experience symptoms relating to UTI that persist for longer than 24 hours, speak to your health professional. Don’t rely on the internet for a diagnosis; book an appointment and talk to a medical professional.

UROHEALTH PARTNERS

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It’s common knowledge in the medical community that kidney problems and heart problems often go hand-in-hand. These organs work closely together to optimize your physiological systems. When something goes wrong with one, it can adversely affect the other causing serious health problems.

Can Kidney Problems Cause Heart Problems?

The Link Between Kidney Problems and Heart Problems

The heart pumps blood that is oxygenated throughout the body. The kidneys filter impurities from the blood, excreting them through urine. The kidneys also regulate the levels of electrolytes in the body, maintaining your blood pressure.

In kidney failure, the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood. This leads to problems with the transport of oxygen and nutrients in the bloodstream.

Medical studies show that heart failure is a significant contributing factor to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). When blood doesn’t flow well, it puts pressure on the kidney artery, causing dysfunction in the kidneys.

Heart disease reduces blood flow to the kidneys. This diminished blood flow can impair kidney function and contribute to the development or progression of kidney disease. The kidneys begin to suffer from a reduced supply of oxygenated blood, resulting in impairment and dysfunction. Kidney dysfunction affects the correct function of the hormonal system and blood pressure regulation.

As a result, the heart has to work harder to maintain optimal blood circulation around the body. The arteries develop higher blood pressure and result in the development of heart disease. Doctors check a patient’s kidney function if they suspect heart disease. They may use bloodwork tests and CT scans to monitor the patient’s kidney health and function.

Kidney Disease and Heart Disease Risk Factors

Common types of heart disease include coronary artery disease, heart attack (myocardial infarction), and heart failure. Kidney disease and heart disease are closely linked. They share risk factors that contribute to both heart disease and kidney disease.

Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and obesity can damage both the heart and the kidneys over time.

Certain systemic diseases can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the kidneys. These conditions are major risk factors for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension.

Kidney Damage

Heart attacks can trigger a kidney attack, resulting in damaged kidneys. If a patient incurs a heart or kidney attack, it makes them prone to experiencing further cardiac or kidney events in the future.

People who have a heart attack are likely to have another one within five years, according to studies.

When patients develop both kidney and heart problems, it results in a medical condition known as cardiorenal syndrome. This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention and treatment to lower the patient’s risk profile and prevent health complications.

Fortunately, advancements in medical science make it easier for physicians to diagnose and treat kidney and heart problems. As a result, the patient experiences a lower risk of repeated events and mitigation of the life-threatening risk these events present to their health.

Patients who consult with a doctor over heart issues may undergo procedures such as imaging exams where the doctors inject a dye into their blood to track circulation and heart function.

Treatment for Kidney & Heart Disease

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease face a range of challenges and considerations in managing their health. Patients with cardiorenal syndrome require treatment with a combination of drugs to manage their condition. Doctors focus on maintaining blood pressure in the safe range when administering these medications.

The physician may require the patient to use diuretics. Diuretics flush excess water around the heart and kidneys to control blood pressure from the hypertensive range above 140/80. It’s common for patients with high blood pressure to experience “edema,” or a swelling of the ankles and calves.

This is due to excess water accumulation in the blood and tissues. Edema, or swelling due to fluid accumulation in the body’s tissues, can be influenced by the intake of water and salt.

Common Drugs Used in Treatment

Ace inhibitors: Enalapril, Ramipril, Lisinopril, and Perindopril
Beta blockers: Carvedilol, Bisoprolol, and Nebivolol
Aldosterone blockers: spironolactone or eplerenone

These medications also benefit patients with heart problems such as heart failure since they counteract over-activation of their hormonal system. However, the drugs may have an adverse effect on kidney function and health. Therefore, the doctor must carefully monitor the patient’s condition with frequent blood tests.

Risk Factors to Avoid Developing Kidney and Heart Problems

Avoid smoking tobacco products as they can dramatically increase blood pressure. Reduce your sodium consumption to lower water accumulation and blood pressure.

The patient should maintain a healthy diet and ensure they get daily exercise. Even something as simple as a brisk walk in the morning is enough to improve cardiovascular and kidney function and health.

Individuals must consult with their doctor on their medication protocol. The physician should adjust the dosage per the patient’s blood test results and weight. The patient should weigh themselves in the morning and night to prevent dehydration or fluid overload.

Patients should also speak to their doctor about their medications and ensure they understand how they work in the body.

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The attentive, compassionate physicians, providers, and staff at UroHealth Partners are committed to providing innovative, quality patient care in our state-of-the-art facility.

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Does your urine smell off? There could be several reasons for it giving off a different odor. Your diet, hydration, supplements you take, and medication use can all impact the scent of your urine. However, some underlying health issues could also cause the problem. Let’s examine the different types of urine smell and what urine smells can indicate.

What Can Urine Smell Indicate?

Urine can reveal a lot about overall health. The presence of unusual odors, such as a strong urine odor resembling sulfur or onions, may be linked to dietary choices, hydration status, or certain metabolic conditions. However, unusual or persistent odors may indicate underlying health conditions. This guide explores different smells of urine and their meanings.

Foul Smelling Urine

Does your urine smell like sulfur, or does it have a whiff of garlic or onions? If that’s the case, it could indicate two underlying metabolic disorders.

TAMU (trimethylaminuria) is a metabolic condition where your body can’t process the organic compound trimethylamine. This smelly chemical results in your urine and breath smelling like rotting fish. Trimethylaminuria is a rare disorder, and it’s either acquired or inherited. It’s not dangerous, but it makes life uncomfortable and embarrassing, especially in social settings.
The second disorder is tyrosinemia. This condition has three stages: type I, II, and III. It’s an incredibly rare metabolic disorder where the body can’t break down tyrosine, an amino acid. The buildup of tyrosine in the system can cause severe health complications, including unusual urine odor.

Ammonia Urine Smell

A strong ammonia-like smell in urine often signals a urinary tract infection (UTI). The infection results from harmful bacteria invading part of the urinary system, such as the:

Bladder
Urethra
Kidneys

You may also have slightly cloudy or dark-colored urine. This is because it has traces of blood in it. Frequent trips to the bathroom and a burning sensation when you urinate are also indications of a UTI. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys, potentially becoming life-threatening.

A urine culture may be performed to identify the bacteria responsible for the infection, guiding treatment options. Many UTIs are treated with antibiotics, but in some cases, mild infections may resolve on their own. Tracking signs your UTI is going away without antibiotics—such as reduced urgency, improved urine clarity, and less discomfort—can help determine if medical intervention is needed. Talk to your doctor to learn more about the best way to treat a UTI.

Other conditions that may cause your urine to smell like ammonia include:

Kidney stones or kidney disease
Menopause
Liver disease
Sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia
Prostate infections

Some vitamins and medications, including high doses of vitamin B6, can also cause a temporary strong urine odor. For example, vitamin B6 can make your urine smell, especially if you take more than the recommended amount.

The smell usually fades after a few days of stopping use. If urine odor persists, speak to your doctor.

Sweet or Fruity Urine Smell

A mild smell that smells sweet might not seem a cause for concern. However, it could be a sign of high blood sugar or diabetes. The body unloads the excess sugar, which it can’t metabolize into the urine. This results in a sweet-smelling urine.

If the sweet smell occurs in infant urine, it might be a sign of maple syrup urine disease. This condition requires urgent medical attention for the infant and is a life-threatening metabolic disorder. The body is unable to process the amino acids in foods. Don’t delay; get to the doctor right away.

Cloudy and Smelly Urine

Cloudy urine and a strong odor can indicate a few potential issues. One of the most common causes is a urinary tract infection (UTI). A UTI often has an ammonia smell.

Cloudy urine can also mean pus, blood, or other waste is present. The body is trying to eliminate these things through the urinary system.

Other possible causes of cloudy and smelly urine include:

Dehydration: When you’re dehydrated, your urine becomes more concentrated, leading to a darker and cloudier appearance. The lack of water also makes waste products more noticeable, contributing to a stronger odor.
Kidney Issues: Kidney infections or stones can make urine cloudy. This happens because of waste and substances from the infection. These issues can also make urine smell stronger or more unpleasant than usual.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Certain STIs, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, can cause discharge that clouds the urine. They may also lead to a foul odor in your urine due to bacterial infections in the urinary tract.

If you experience cloudy and smelly urine, consult a healthcare provider to determine the cause and get proper treatment.

Additional Reasons Why Your Urine Smells

Urine is approximately 95 percent water and has little odor. The elements in urine that cause its odor include waste products. They include nitrogen, calcium, potassium, and other electrolytes and compounds. The kidneys filter these waste products from the body, excreting them through your urine.

Apart from the metabolic disease we covered above, there are several other reasons why your urine might smell peculiar.

Dehydration

Dehydration is a common cause of foul-smelling urine. If you’re dehydrated, the water content in your urine drops. The waste products become more prominent in the urine, leading to changes in odor. Dehydration makes your urine darker, usually dark orange or light brown colored urine.

Diet

Your diet also plays a role in the smell of your urine. For instance, eating asparagus can create a very strong-smelling odor in your urine the day after eating it. The body converts a specific acid found in asparagus into a sulfur compound, resulting in pungent smelly urine.

Other cruciferous veggies, like Brussels sprouts, can cause the same issue. Spices like cumin and sulfur-containing veggies like onion and garlic also change the scent of your urine.

Ketones in Blood (medline.gov)

Drinks or Supplements

Drinking a lot of coffee or alcohol can also make your pee smell strong. Supplements and medications can cause the issue as well. An example of this is riboflavin. Multi-vitamin supplements can alter the normal scent of your urine and turn your pee bright yellow.

Unusual Smelling Urine: What To Do

Simple lifestyle changes can often reduce unusual urine odor. Increasing water intake helps flush the system, especially when dehydration is the cause. Avoiding certain foods or supplements that contribute to unusual smells may also help.

To minimize or eliminate unusual urine odors:

Drink plenty of water to help dilute urine and reduce strong odors.
Limit sulfur-rich foods like asparagus, garlic, and Brussels sprouts.
Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake, as they can lead to dehydration.
Monitor medication and supplement intake, especially high doses of vitamin B6 or riboflavin.
Practice good hygiene to prevent infections that could alter urine smell.
Seek medical attention if urine odor persists, worsens, or is accompanied by pain or burning, fever, or unusual discharge.

Early diagnosis can prevent complications related to urinary tract infections, metabolic disorders, or kidney disease. Completing the course of antibiotics as prescribed is crucial when using medication to treat a UTI, ensuring the infection is fully eliminated.

UROHEALTH PARTNERS

The attentive, compassionate physicians, providers, and staff at UroHealth Partners are committed to providing innovative, quality patient care in our state-of-the-art facility.

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Where is Your Kidney?