Caring for Your Kidneys: Protecting Your Vital Organs

Kidney-related symptoms can affect your everyday life, sap your energy and affect your overall well-being. At Catholic Health, our urologists work closely with you to identify the cause of your symptoms and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Kidneys help filter waste and extra fluid from the blood to create urine. They also help regulate blood pressure, balance mineral levels in the body and support other important functions. When the kidneys are not working properly, symptoms can range from mild discomfort to more serious health concerns.

Conditions We Treat

Urologists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the urinary tract and the structural health of the kidneys. Our urologists work alongside nephrologists and other specialists to provide coordinated care for kidney-related conditions.

Nephrologists at Catholic Health also provide kidney care. They specialize in treating conditions such as chronic kidney failure, acute kidney injury, polycystic disease and end-stage renal disease through dialysis. Learn about nephrology care at Catholic Health.

Kidney Conditions

The adrenal glands sit above the kidneys and produce hormones that help regulate blood pressure, metabolism and the body’s response to stress. Adrenal gland disease can occur when the glands produce too much or too little hormone or when tumors develop in the adrenal glands. Urologists at Catholic Health work closely with endocrinologists and other specialists to treat adrenal gland disease.

Causes:

  • Benign (noncancerous) adrenal growths
  • Genetic conditions
  • Hormone-producing tumors
  • Infections
  • Medications such as steroids
  • Problems in other glands

You may be at higher risk for an adrenal gland condition if you have an autoimmune disease such as lupus or Graves’ disease. Certain chronic diseases can also raise your risk.

Symptoms:

  • Craving salty foods
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • High blood pressure
  • Muscle weakness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Unexplained weight gain or weight loss

A kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection that develops when bacteria travel to the kidneys. Prompt treatment is important because untreated kidney infections can lead to serious complications or permanent kidney damage.

Causes:

  • Bacterial infection
  • Blockage in the urinary tract
  • Kidney stones
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections

Symptoms:

  • Blood or pus in the urine
  • Fever and chills
  • Foul-smelling urine
  • Frequent or painful urination
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Pain in the belly, back, side or groin

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. Some stones are small enough to pass naturally. Others may require treatment to relieve pain or prevent blockage in the urinary tract.

Causes:

  • Certain medical conditions
  • Certain medications and supplements
  • Dehydration
  • Diets high in sodium or certain minerals
  • Family history of kidney stones
  • Overweight and obesity

Symptoms:

  • Blood in the urine
  • Fever and chills if infection is present
  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Pain or a burning feeling while urinating
  • Pink, red or brown urine
  • Severe pain in the side, back or lower abdomen

Learn more about kidney stone signs and symptoms you should not ignore.

Kidney cancer begins when abnormal cells grow in the kidneys. In many cases, kidney cancer develops slowly and may not cause symptoms in its early stages. Physicians usually diagnose kidney cancer when the cancer is small and has not spread to other parts of the body. Risk factors:

Smoking is one of the leading risk factors for kidney cancer. Other factors that may increase risk include obesity, high blood pressure and a family history of the disease. Certain inherited conditions can also increase your risk. These include tuberous sclerosis complex, von Hippel-Lindau disease and others.

Symptoms:

  • Appetite loss
  • Blood in the urine — blood may appear pink, red or reddish-brown
  • Fatigue
  • Lump or swelling near the kidney area
  • Unexplained weight loss

Learn more about kidney cancer and the advanced treatment options available at Catholic Health.

How We Diagnose Kidney Conditions

Kidney Diagnostics

Kidney symptoms can have many possible causes, including infection, kidney stones, hormone disorders and other underlying medical conditions. At Catholic Health, our specialists use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the cause of your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs.

Your evaluation may begin with a physical exam and a discussion about your symptoms, medical history and overall health. Blood and urine testing can help detect infection, changes in kidney function or signs of other kidney conditions. Your physician may also recommend imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine the kidneys and urinary tract more closely.

You may need additional testing for certain conditions. For example, hormone testing may help diagnose adrenal gland disorders, while stone analysis can help determine the type of kidney stone and guide future prevention strategies.

Treatment for Kidney Conditions

Treatment for kidney conditions depends on the cause of your symptoms, the severity of the condition and your overall health. We offer personalized treatment options ranging from medication and lifestyle changes to minimally invasive procedures and surgery. 

In some cases, treatment may begin with hydration, dietary changes, antibiotics or medications to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. Patients with recurrent kidney stones may also benefit from prevention strategies designed to reduce the risk of future stones. 

Catholic Health offers minimally invasive procedures and advanced surgical treatment options for kidney stones, adrenal gland disorders and other kidney conditions. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include procedures to remove or break apart kidney stones, robotic-assisted surgery or ongoing monitoring for certain adrenal gland conditions

Kidney Treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

You can protect your kidneys by staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, limiting excess sodium (salt) and managing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Avoiding tobacco use and keeping up with regular medical care are also important for protecting kidney function over time.

Kidney infections usually require medical treatment and should not be treated on your own. These infections can become serious if left untreated, so it is important to seek medical care promptly if symptoms develop.

Kidney stones can cause severe pain when they move through the urinary tract and block the flow of urine. The pain often begins suddenly and may spread from the back or side to the lower abdomen or groin.

Drinking plenty of water is one of the most effective ways to help reduce the risk of future kidney stones. Depending on the type of stone, your provider may also recommend dietary changes or other prevention strategies.

Yes. The adrenal glands produce hormones that help regulate blood pressure, metabolism and other important body functions. Certain adrenal gland disorders can cause symptoms such as high blood pressure, unexplained weight gain or weight loss, fatigue and muscle weakness.