The kidneys have a large functional reserve. This is reflected by the fact that as much as one-half of normal kidney function can be lost without any obvious effect on day-to-day health. This is the reason why patients who lose one kidney due to injury, surgery for kidney disease or donation of a kidney for kidney transplantation, can lead a normal life.

However, certain kidney diseases may be associated with recognizable signs even when there is little loss of kidney function. Signs of this sort include blood-staining of the urine, pain on passing urine, swelling of the ankles and face, and high blood pressure. In fact, the appearance of these signs alerts the doctor to the possibility of an active kidney disease. With various laboratory tests, the actual type of kidney disease can be diagnosed and, at least in some case, treated. Early treatment of many kidney diseases either restores normal kidney function or prevents progression to advanced kidney failure.

The above are intended to be general information and not intended to be treated as a diagnosis whatsoever. You are asked to seek professional medical advice relating to all questions on treatment, care, diagnosis and medication.