Kidney failure and nephritis

When the kidneys stop working properly, waste and water build up in the blood.

Kidney failure

The kidneys can no longer filter the blood. Causes include long-term diabetes and high blood pressure, and drinking too little water. Patients are kept alive by dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Nephritis

The nephrons become inflamed, often after an infection. Protein and blood cells can then leak into the urine, and the body swells.

Looking after your kidneys

Drink enough clean water every day.
Do not hold urine for long.
Avoid too much salt, and painkillers without advice.
Keep blood sugar and blood pressure under control.