Patient Information

The importance of kidneys

Healthy kidneys act like a filter and remove fluids and waste products from the blood. Our entire blood volume is pumped around the body and filtered through the kidneys over 65 times per day to make sure the right amount of wastes and fluids are removed.

When your kidneys are not working properly, waste products and excess fluid build up in your body. The symptoms of kidney disease are many and varied. They include tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, itchy skin, muscle cramps or weakness or painful joints, swelling of the abdomen, feet, ankles, hands and face, shortness of breath, anaemia and high blood pressure. 

If you would like to know more about kidney disease and its treatment, the best person to see is your doctor. More information about kidney disease and its treatment can also be accessed via our links page.

Alternatively, online information about kidney disease and its treatment can be accessed by clicking on Treatment and Lifestyle. This site is provided by Roche Products Pty Limited, the makers of NeoRecormon.

If you would like to contact our Medical Information Department click here.