How often should a person with one kidney be tested? Possible reasons for the absence of an organ.

Date: 10.04.2019

Most people live normal, healthy lives with only one kidney. However, it is important to take care of staying as healthy and safe as possible.

There are three main reasons why a person can only have one kidney:

A person can be born with only one kidney. This condition is called renal agenesis. Another condition called kidney dysplasia is when a person is born with two kidneys, but only one of them is working. Most people who are born without a kidney (or with only one working kidney) can lead a normal healthy life.
A person could have one kidney removed during surgery, while treating an injury or disease (such as cancer).
A person could donate a kidney to another person who needed a transplant.

What if I was born with only one working kidney?

If you were born with only one normal kidney, or if one kidney was damaged or removed during childhood, the remaining kidney will grow faster and become larger than usual. The remaining bud can grow to be almost the same size as the two buds together. This helps her to do all the work that two kidneys usually do.

This growth is called "compensatory" or "restorative". This happens in different ways: may be the result of acceleration cell division or an increase in the size of the cells themselves. For example, if one kidney is removed, the number of cells in the other increases with increased speed... Eventually, the remaining kidney may grow until it is as large as the two combined. In other words, one healthy kidney can work for two.

Can a transplanted kidney work for two?

Yes. Rigorous testing has shown that a transplanted kidney can also increase in size and function. She can achieve a level of functioning that is about 40 percent greater than normal level for one kidney.

What is the threat of life with one kidney in the future?

In general, most people with one healthy kidney have minor problems all the time. However, some problems in the long run have also been noticed sometimes.

In some people who were born with one kidney, or had it removed during childhood, there is a chance of kidney dysfunction later in life. This usually happens after 25 years or more. There is also a chance to have an increased blood pressure at a later age (suffer from hypertension). However, the loss of kidney function is usually not significant and life expectancy does not change much. Most people with one kidney live healthy, normal lives with a few minor limitations.

How often should a person with one kidney be tested?

Kidney function should be checked at least once a year. For this, a simple analysis of urine and blood is sufficient. You should also measure your blood pressure at least once a year unless there is a specific reason to do it more often.

Is it possible for a person with one kidney?

Physical exercises Is health and benefits for everyone. However, it is important for a person with only one kidney to be careful and protect it from injury. This recommendation applies to everyone, regardless of the reason for having one kidney, even people who were born with one kidney, even donors. Some doctors believe it is best to avoid contact sports such as football, boxing, hockey, soccer, martial arts, or fight.

Wearing protective clothing, such as a vest under your clothing, can help protect your kidneys from injury while exercising. This can help reduce the risk, but it does not eliminate it! It is worth talking to your doctor if you (or your child) would like to participate in contact sports. You should always think about the risks associated with any activity and carefully consider whether they outweigh the benefits.

Should you follow a dedicated single kidney diet?

Most people with one healthy kidney do not need to eat a special diet. If you have one kidney due to a transplant due to an illness or renal failure, then some restrictions on food are possible. If you have questions about your diet, it is worth talking to your doctor or dietitian.

People who donate a kidney can live as long as those who did not. After the first documented kidney transplant in the United States, research shows the procedure carries little long-term medical risk to the donor. Therefore, answering the question “How long can you live with one kidney?”, We can say that this has little effect on the duration and quality of life.

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The kidneys are the most important organs of a living being. If they are absent or completely removed without connecting hemodialysis ("artificial kidney"), human life is impossible. To answer the question "Is it possible to live with one kidney?", First of all, you need to understand the functions of this organ.

The kidneys are paired organs that excrete from the body unnecessary and harmful metabolic products, toxins. Main function:

filtration of blood constituents;
excretion of metabolic by-products from the body;
the formation of urine.

Direct participation in hematopoiesis.
Osmoregulation - maintaining the proper water level and the percentage of salts in the body.
Ionoregulation - regulation of the balance of acids and alkalis in blood plasma.
Metabolism (metabolism) - the formation of vitamins, maintaining the volume of lipids (fats), carbohydrates and proteins in internal fluids at the proper level.
Endocrine function - the production of hormones that are responsible for the regulation of the total volume of circulating blood, the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow, the preservation of the required amount of water in the body.

Aplasia, agenesis of an organ - underdevelopment or congenital absence of an organ.
Dysplasia is a defect in the renal tissue that prevents the organ from performing its functions.
Nephrectomy is a forced surgical removal of an organ. This measure is necessary in the presence of large cysts on the kidney, urolithiasis with purulent lesions, formation of axal stones in the organ, serious developmental anomalies, malignant tumor, physical trauma, accompanied by the retardation of renal tissues.
Donating a kidney to another person.

magnetic resonance angiography;
Multispectral CT;
Spiral CT;
angiography-X-ray of the kidneys.

Do they live with one kidney? Definitely yes. With the loss of one organ, the other completely takes over its functions, hypertrophies (increases in size), begins to work with a vengeance. Such a phenomenon (restorative, compensatory) is the norm for a living organism.

If it is possible to live with one kidney, then is it possible to live with the absence of such? This is possible today. The solution is to install a lifelong dialysis (artificial kidney system) or a donor organ transplant. In the second case, you need to constantly be wary of kidney rejection, since the lymphocytes perceive it as an "enemy" foreign body, which needs to be neutralized, destroyed. Therefore, patients take strong immunosuppressants that suppress protective functions their body.

violation of basic renal functions;
high blood pressure (hypertension);
education in abdominal area adhesions, hernias;
relapse of tumor formation (if the kidney was removed due to damage to it by cancer cells).

Dairy, fermented milk products - 2-3 times a week. The limitation is due to the calcium content in this food - its high concentration can cause the formation of sand in the kidney. Low-fat cottage cheese, sour cream, yogurt, cream are allowed.
Fruits and vegetables. These products, both boiled and fresh, should make up 70-80% of all food consumed. They are easy to digest, contain an optimal set of vitamins, and have a beneficial effect on digestion.
Lipids. Unrefined cold-pressed vegetable oils are acceptable: mustard, sesame, sunflower, olive, corn, linseed.
Carbohydrates. From simple species the patient is advised to refuse: sugars, sweets, carbonated drinks, bakery products made from white flour. Preference for complex carbohydrates: black grain bread, cereals, bran, vegetables.
Proteins. The amount of protein food intake (meat, fish - only low-fat varieties, eggs) should be reduced to 2-3 meals per week.
Liquids. In order not to overload the only functioning organ, you should drink no more than 1-1.5 liters of fluid per day. This volume will not overload the kidney and at the same time will contribute to the elimination of all toxins from the body. Preference for vegetable and fruit juices diluted with water, fruit drinks. Do not overuse strong black and green tea, coffee, meat broths.
Spices. Salt intake should be kept to a minimum.

Fasting, vegetarianism, or a raw food diet are undesirable - such a diet can deprive the kidney of the supporting layer of fat, thanks to which it holds tightly in place.

Food should enter the body not hot, not cold, but warm. Products are boiled, baked, stewed. A good option- purchase of a double boiler or multicooker. These devices preserve a maximum of useful and necessary microelements and vitamins in cooked dishes.

quail eggs;
low-fat dairy products;
unsalted hard cheese;
durum wheat pasta;
lean fish;
cereals;
vegetable broths;
lean veal, rabbit meat;
"White meat" of poultry - chicken, turkey;
fruit and berry juices, jellies, mousses, cocktails, compotes;
bran bread;
first courses according to vegetarian recipes, but with the addition of butter;
lettuce, beets, cucumbers, cauliflower, potato.

Unhealthy food

preservation, home and store, including from marinades and pickles;
frankfurters, sausages, smoked meats, semi-finished products;
sweets containing white sugar;
baked goods made from white flour;
sweet carbonated waters;
medicinal mineral drinks (especially those containing sodium);
any alcohol - even beer;
fatty meat and broths from it;
salty, fried, spicy food;
onions, garlic, tomatoes, spinach and mushrooms.

However, you should refrain from strength sports, exhausting workouts, professional records. It is also worth paying attention to the athlete's diet. Bodybuilders, bodybuilders are shown increased consumption protein, which is unacceptable for the diet of a person with one kidney. Sports with an increased risk of serious injury to a single organ - boxing, football, basketball - are also undesirable.

One kidney and pregnancy

Until recently, pregnancy and childbirth in the presence of one kidney were considered fatal for a woman - there was a risk that the organ could fail. The level of modern medical care allows you to get favorable prognosis pregnancy subject to comprehensive health monitoring (patients with one kidney are susceptible to infections), a certain daily regimen - alternating rest and work, correct diet... A contraindication to pregnancy is only the removal of the kidney due to cancer.

A person can be born with only one kidney. This condition is called renal agenesis. Another condition called kidney dysplasia is when a person is born with two kidneys, but only one of them is working. Most people who are born without a kidney (or with only one working kidney) can lead normal healthy lives.
A person could have one kidney removed during surgery, while treating an injury or disease (such as cancer).
A person could donate a kidney to another person who needed a transplant.

Interesting. I considered people with one kidney to be almost disabled. And here are just small restrictions. Basically, take care internal organs from injuries you need, regardless of the number of kidneys). And about the fact that the kidney is growing - I did not even suspect.
All the same, in this case, it is necessary to carefully monitor the quality of the consumed liquids.

One kidney can also affect the productive and social life- for example, it will be difficult (if unrealistic) to undergo a medical examination for admission to officer schools, police academies. And from the point of view of medicine - really 1 kidney in the process of human growth becomes "like two" and does not add any discomfort.

I didn’t know that a kidney accelerates its growth if it is left alone.
Although, what's so surprising? In our body, everything is interconnected, and the work of one organ affects another.

Selling a kidney is not an option ... Of course, anything can happen and sometimes you have to get out of it, but I would start with my head. It is a pity that she is the only one with us)))

A friend had a kidney removed about 4-5 years ago, he feels quite normal after this time. The only thing is that you have to limit yourself in many ways, so as not to overload. Of course, he was removed due to illness, but it is worth looking at the Internet, many are removed simply to earn money, this is sheer stupidity!

When you're in your 50s and the memory of having your kidney removed for your new iPhone, you'll clearly hate yourself for it.

What if you remove a kidney not for the sake of an iPhone, but for the sake of being with your children?

The diet may not need to be adhered to, but alcohol is probably prohibited? Poor people!

You can live your whole life without even knowing about it and die from a completely different disease…. before, when there was no ultrasound, it was practically so.

Hello. I live with one kidney and I have high blood pressure. This is normal?

It is important to take into account your age and period, how long you already have a kidney, how often problems with blood pressure are observed.
Many people now suffer from hypertension and prehypertension, and unhealthy kidneys are one of the most common causes. The absence of one kidney can also be the cause of high blood pressure, but usually it takes long time... Those. it usually takes several years after the loss of a kidney before the pressure is affected.
It is imperative to be examined by a doctor who, if necessary, will prescribe medications for the treatment or maintenance of normal pressure. After all high pressure affects the health of the kidneys themselves, and can further exacerbate the problem.
Try to follow the correct diet (minimum salty, sweet, fatty, spicy). But I think you yourself know what is bad for the kidneys. Within a couple of days, I will publish an article about what not to eat to maintain normal blood pressure. In the meantime, you can find out what foods can lower blood pressure. What foods can lower blood pressure. But don't look at the pepper there.

I went to the army with one kidney, served in the Far East, and even in the Marine Corps!

Hello Alexander .. I also live with one kidney, I also served in the Army, I am 33 years old, I would like to exchange impressions ... 89199342434 I have a registered vibe on this number, if you read my letter write to me, since I will not be able to call that number. to Tajikistan e

I don't think that someone will be happy with one kidney ... Problems in later life are guaranteed, but nothing can be done about it if the fate is for you (

Good day to all. My kidney was removed when I was in the first grade (I was born like this), one functioned stably, but the second did not develop at all. After the consultation, they said, it was necessary to remove it (there was no sense in it), I had to do an operation. I took the rehabilitation course for almost 2 years (I was very worried) I studied at home, I thought everything, the end of my whole life. I was convinced that I was disabled, everything was forbidden to me (I was then 6 years old, at that age you will believe everything) I limited myself in everything. By the age of 11, this began to bother me, without listening to anyone, I began to play sports, I began to temper, that is, I did everything so that my body was ready for any surprises in life. At 13, I started doing powerlifting, my parents were categorically against it, but I stubbornly decided to live a full, healthy life for myself (after a couple of years they resigned themselves) this moment I am 23 years old, more than 17 years have passed since the operation, I still do powerlifting and lead completely healthy image life, I forgot when the last time I went to the hospital, even a simple runny nose does not take me for 5 years for sure. Problems arise only in employment, the army has disappeared, any physical work is prohibited, everything related to the bodies of postures is a complete ban. As for the rest, I live a fully active life and do not pay attention to anything. So many years after the operation, my kidney has increased in size in 2 nd and functions in 2 nd with 100% efficiency. That's just in recent years 2, my blood pressure began to rise a lot. I do not feel it at all, but every time I check it, it is almost always the standard-150-160 to 80-90. That's just the most unpleasant thing I'm afraid of this heartbeat-100-110, the current is almost always, regardless of whether I do something or not. But all this does not bother me at all and is not felt in my life. In general, if you have one kidney, then you should not bury yourself, live a full, healthy life. Everything will be fine for you, good luck and a pleasant life)

Hello. I am very pleased with your attitude to life and adherence to a healthy lifestyle. This will help many who read your story. This example is very important.
But you have to do something about the pressure. This is a very big load on the cardiovascular system, which can have a strong effect in the future. It is better to consult a doctor, because there will be less harm from taking certain types of antihypertensive drugs than from hypertension without treatment. Most often, such drugs are prescribed at an upper pressure of 160, but if you have repeatedly noticed 150, then it is quite possible that it often jumps to such an indicator (especially during training). But even worse is your difference in upper and lower pressure (pulse pressure), usually a person even feels much worse. In any case, in order to make sure that there are deviations, it is required to repeatedly measure blood pressure over a period of time.
And the sport you have chosen is not very useful for yourself. I do not argue that it is one of the most fascinating and has a lot of advantages, but not for the state of health in general. Cardio is much more beneficial for of cardio-vascular system, and power, with the wrong approach, has a detrimental effect on it. But I think you will have more experience in this than mine, since it is clear that you clever man... Please consult with a therapist about this.
And so once again thank you for a wonderful example.

Cardio loads are mandatory, because only with the help of them you can make the muscles of the heart elastic and stronger. However, read the articles on this topic (how to exercise your heart properly). The pressure should at least get better. By the way, cardio training, as you probably know, helps to work out the relief, and your body is most likely not sickly pumped.
ZY I am proud of such people who do not despair, but always go forward. Good luck to you!

I have almost a similar story :) I studied at school, was engaged in boxing, wrestling. After leaving school, he entered military school, at the school he was an excellent student in sports and hand-to-hand fighting :), after graduation he got to serve in a special unit, fought, after long time worked as an instructor for the training of officers of special forces, while actively involved in sports trained like crazy! Every day I had to endure huge physical activity! At the age of 30, I quit and left to work for civilian life, but at the same time I continue to actively engage in Muay Thai, I swim, I run, I really like to take a steam bath, sometimes I dive into the ice hole :). In my life I have never smoked or drank alcoholic beverages ... During my studies at school and at the military school there were two very severe pneumonia, GLORY TO GOD, everything worked out. And then at the age of 39 I was admitted to the hospital with suspicion of appendicitis and during examination they did not find appendicitis, but after a thorough examination it turned out that I did not have a right kidney and never had one, and I did not even know about it! Why am I telling this, so many people become discouraged and believe that all ... they are inferior people. It’s not like that! Of course, if my parents knew from childhood that I had such a situation, they probably would have strapped me to the sofa and forbade me to do anything, but the fact is that no one knew this ... classes, I also had to lie on duty, and the load was simply not human, and everything would be great. Therefore, do not be discouraged, life does not stop there! Of course, you need to monitor your diet and lifestyle, but you shouldn't be discouraged either. In conclusion, I want to say that I GLORY TO GOD have a wife and two wonderful children, moreover, absolutely healthy.
Live life to the fullest and be happy :), LET THE LORD GOD HELP US ALL!

Hello, my son, born of twins, has such a problem! He is now 20 years old and I first found out about this a month ago and only because they began to examine my son about the increased blood pressure: 170/100 is the average daily pressure, I am very worried about what will happen next! Urine and blood tests are good. Later, the urologist told me there may be problems with erection and ejaculation, since there is one ureter. Do I need a donor kidney?

I suffered from pressure for a long time. The doctors said it was from the nerves. But it turned out to be a kidney. So trust our doctors.

Hello. I have a question, is there any kind of disability group or not? If not, why not? In Russia, they immediately give the second group.

And it turns out that disability will not give or what? if an elderly person has had kidney cancer removed, disability will be given or not

The issue of assigning disability in Russia is regulated by the Order of the Ministry of Labor and social protection Russian Federation dated September 29, 2014 N 664n.
According to this normative act many factors play a role: how does the absence of a kidney affect health, how much time has passed after removal and its cause, how it affects the limitations of life (self-care, etc.). It is difficult to describe briefly everything, especially since the decision is made by a commission of specialists, which takes all this into account and, perhaps, not always as objectively as possible. But the main points can be highlighted:
1. If the only kidney is its own and there are no health problems with the second or its lesions are insignificant, then this is considered 30% of the violation of the functions of the human body (I degree). Those. these are minor violations and the group will most likely not be given, if at the same time there are no restrictions in life.
2. If there are more serious disorders in the work of the other kidney - this is already 60-100% of the violation of the functions of the human body (III-VI degree), then the second or first group of disability should already be assigned here.
3. In case of transplantation of the only functioning kidney - the first 2 years it is 90-100% of impairment of the organism's function (VI degree), i.e. this is the I group of disability. After these two years - 50% (II degree), which means already the 3rd group of disability.
4. After removal of the malignant renal pelvis or tumor, everything depends on the stage of the formation itself, at which it was removed. But the first 2-5 years at least 50% of the violation of the functions of the human body (II degree), i.e. at least the 3rd group of disability.

For more details, see the order itself, which is referenced at the beginning of the comment.

My son had a kidney removed at six months, there are restrictions on food and physical activity. Because of disability, yes, they gave him a disability, but every year they hint that I have healthy child and the next year they will not renew ... But: relying on the law, every year I talk about restrictions. When they ask what restrictions he has in life, I simply answer: my son wants to play hockey, but it’s impossible. They shut up and add: any The nephrologist will confirm that until a person grows up, no one will give a guarantee that the only kidney will develop correctly and that we will see at 25-30 years old. Therefore, before this age, there should be no question of removing the disability.

Hello everyone. I have 1 kidney since birth. And I found out about this only in the army at the end of my service. I served normally and live without any restrictions. Before the army, there was time to drink decently and nothing. After he returned, he quit and continued to play sports. I run marathons calmly at an average pace for 3.5-4 hours, I ride a bike for 150 km, I ride a board and ski for 6 years. So advice to everyone with a similar anomaly - Hammer and live normally, as you want.

I only found out about my missing kidney when I was conscripted into the army at the age of 20, is this normal? If it had not been for the call, I would never have learned that he was born without the right kidney. They didn't take the army by itself

is it possible to dive with one kidney and in general, in fact, underwater diving associated with long delay air? is it beneficial or vice versa?

Hello Yuri.
Sorry for the delay - I just arrived and haven't been at the PC for a week.
If the kidney functions normally and meets the body's needs for filtering and hormonal functions, then this is not a contraindication for diving, and therefore will not negatively affect health.
But in the case of renal failure (when it comes to a person on hemodialysis), the situation is different here. If the kidney does not fully cope with filtration, then substances such as urea nitrogen and creatinine are not removed from the blood and their amount is increased. This leads to a dullness of the sensorium (ability to sense), impairment of perception and a decrease in underwater skills. But here, too, everything is individual and there are no exact numbers, since elevated level of these substances in the blood can affect in different ways different people.
Therefore, if there is no hypertension that often accompanies kidney problems, and normal tests on urea nitrogen and creatinine, there are no visible barriers to diving.

I read all the comments, I also found out at the age of 27, just like you did not refuse anything in life, there was a time that I drank full program, but I have quit for 4 years now, I absolutely do not drink alcohol, I lead a healthy lifestyle, I have 4 children, two twins. I work as a builder, I used to work as a stone-maker, but right now I’m already a foreman and opened my own business, there have never been problems with health, but recent times the pressure is also announced 140-90, 150.160 I do not understand, this is due to nervous work or from the kidneys, I don’t know for sure ... But my character is also sugar, in general, thank God at 33 I feel great, but I think about the future, for example, after 50 years, if God forbid we live as it will be ... Thank you all

I have been living with one kidney (right) for 19 years. You can live nothing. Yes, there are limitations, but basically I live like everyone else. Sometimes I even forget that I have one kidney. Working pressure 90/60.

Hello. I had grade 3 hydronephrosis. No signs, no pain, I learned when I was undergoing a medical examination! They said you need to get rid of it because it's like a time bomb! Uvas, the second kidney has long assumed the function of both kidneys, so you don't have to worry, but when you hear all these limitations, recommendations and all that is scary.

Hydronephrosis was also found out about it at the age of 20. Since childhood, at the age of 12, pains began on the left side, the pain did not go away for 7.8 hours, pain relievers saved. When asked by doctors, they always said an ulcer or gastritis, the last time they started very severe pain... He began to do the examination, and turned out to be a hostile anamaly of the development of the urinary tract, the artery was tied up with the urine and the kidney had difficulty draining fluid. The kidney, as the doctors said, had not worked for three years and the right kidney had already taken over the work in two. The kidney was removed almost three months have passed; I feel good rarely high blood pressure... I can say one thing that life after the udolation has not changed much, of course for the first 1.5 years if the restrictions of which must be adhered to. If someone still has to face this, there is nothing fatal here, and as they write that you will not live for a long time or be disabled, do not believe this are couch potatoes of people who have not encountered this, and any professional doctor will say that everything will be fine with you in the future. The main thing is to monitor your health in time.

Kidney characteristics

The kidneys are paired organs that excrete from the body unnecessary and harmful metabolic products, toxins. Main function:

filtration of blood constituents; excretion of metabolic by-products from the body; formation of urine.

But these are not all the tasks that the kidneys perform in the body. Their additional functions:

Direct participation in hematopoiesis. Osmoregulation - maintaining the proper level of water and the percentage of salts in the body. Ionoregulation - regulating the balance of acids and alkalis in the blood plasma. Metabolism (metabolism) - the formation of vitamins, maintaining the volume of lipids (fats), carbohydrates and proteins at the proper level in internal fluids. Endocrine function - the production of hormones that are responsible for the regulation of the total volume of circulating blood, the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow, the preservation of the required amount of water in the body.

Possible reasons for the absence of an organ

According to statistics, 0.05% of people, and this is approximately one in five out of 10 thousand, live with one kidney, without even knowing it. A person may have a single organ for a number of reasons:

Aplasia, agenesis of an organ - underdevelopment or congenital absence of an organ. Dysplasia is a defect of the renal tissue that prevents the organ from performing its functions. Nephrectomy is a forced surgical removal of an organ. This measure is necessary in the presence of large cysts on the kidney, urolithiasis with purulent lesions, the formation of axal stones in the organ, serious developmental anomalies, malignant tumors, physical trauma, accompanied by deceleration of the renal tissues. Donation of the kidney to another person.

Diagnosis of the first two cases is carried out by the following methods:

magnetic resonance angiography; multispectral CT; spiral CT; angiography-X-ray of the kidneys.

Features of the functioning of one organ

If it is possible to live with one kidney, then is it possible to live with the absence of such? This is possible today. The solution is to install a lifelong dialysis (artificial kidney system) or a donor organ transplant. In the second case, one must constantly be wary of kidney rejection, since the lymphocytes perceive it as an "enemy" foreign body that needs to be neutralized, destroyed. Therefore, patients take strong immunosuppressants that suppress the protective functions of their body.

Is it possible to live with one kidney: the consequences

The vast majority of patients who have had a kidney removed do not experience serious problems with health. Although a person undergoes a number of difficulties in the postoperative and rehabilitation stages, the presence of one organ instead of a paired one does not in any way affect his life expectancy. Therefore, the question "How long do they live without a kidney?" incorrect.

The consequences can be as follows:

violation of basic renal functions; high blood pressure (hypertension); formation of adhesions, hernias in the abdominal region; relapse of tumor formation (if the kidney was removed due to damage to its cancer cells).

How they live with one kidney after surgery: patients should periodically visit a specialist nephrologist, take biochemical analyzes to control the functioning of the organ 1-2 times a year. Sometimes recommended CT scan... A person becomes fully able to work after two months of rehabilitation. A woman with one kidney can normally endure labor and give birth to a healthy baby.

The main rules of a fulfilling life

How to live fully with one kidney:

How to live with one kidney at full strength? Follow a specific diet. It reduces the load on the only functioning organ and the urinary system as a whole, and helps to recover faster.

In the first 24 hours after surgery, the patient is asked to completely cut off food. Two hours after nephrectomy, mouthwash is allowed, taking a small amount of water. Since sometimes the removal of the kidney is accompanied by a dysfunction of the intestine, then to stabilize its functions, appropriate medicines and special meals.

The main conditions of the diet during the rehabilitation period:

Dairy, fermented milk products - 2-3 times a week. The limitation is due to the calcium content in this food - its high concentration can cause the formation of sand in the kidney. Low-fat cottage cheese, sour cream, yogurt, cream are allowed. Fruits and vegetables. These products, both boiled and fresh, should make up 70-80% of all food consumed. They are easy to digest, contain an optimal set of vitamins, and have a beneficial effect on digestion. Lipids. Unrefined cold-pressed vegetable oils are acceptable: mustard, sesame, sunflower, olive, corn, flaxseed. Carbohydrates. The patient is advised to refuse from simple types: sugars, sweets, carbonated drinks, bakery products made from white flour. Preference for complex carbohydrates: black grain bread, cereals, bran, vegetables. Proteins. The amount of protein food intake (meat, fish - only low-fat varieties, eggs) should be reduced to 2-3 meals per week. In order not to overload the only functioning organ, you should drink no more than 1-1.5 liters of fluid per day. This volume will not overload the kidney and at the same time will contribute to the elimination of all toxins from the body. Preference for vegetable and fruit juices diluted with water, fruit drinks. Do not abuse strong black and green tea, coffee, meat broths. Salt intake should be kept to a minimum.

Fasting, vegetarianism, and a raw food diet are undesirable - such a diet can deprive the kidney of the supporting layer of fat, thanks to which it holds tightly in place.

Food should enter the body not hot, not cold, but warm. Products are boiled, baked, stewed. A good option is to purchase a steamer or multicooker. These devices preserve a maximum of useful and necessary microelements and vitamins in cooked dishes.

Fresh products are preferred. When storing them, you need to pay attention to its conditions, freezing rules. They eat several times a day in small portions, at the same time.

quail eggs; low-fat dairy products; unsalted hard cheese; pasta made from durum wheat varieties; lean fish; cereals; vegetable broths; lean veal, rabbit meat; "white meat" poultry - chicken, turkey; honey; fruit juices, jelly , mousses, cocktails, compotes; bran bread; first courses according to vegetarian recipes, but with the addition of butter; lettuce, beets, cucumbers, cauliflower, potatoes.

Unhealthy food

How to live with one kidney without problems? Completely discontinue the following products:

preservation, home and store, including from marinades and pickles; sausages, sausages, smoked meats, semi-finished products; sweets containing white sugar; baked goods made from white flour varieties; sweet carbonated waters; medicinal mineral drinks (especially containing sodium); any alcohol - even beer; fatty meat and broths from it; salty, fried, spicy food; onions, garlic, tomatoes, spinach and mushrooms.

Undesirable: legumes, fish, meat broths, salted cheeses, milk chocolate, sorrel, celery, parsley, radish, radish.

Speaking about how to live correctly with one kidney, one cannot but touch on sports. Hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, ice skating, pool activities, equestrian sports, physiotherapy, fitness, morning exercises. The kidneys "love" the circular rotation of the body, tilting.

However, you should refrain from strength sports, exhausting workouts, professional records. It is also worth paying attention to the athlete's diet. Bodybuilders, bodybuilders are shown an increased intake of protein, which is unacceptable for a person's diet with one kidney. Sports with an increased risk of serious injury to a single organ - boxing, football, basketball - are also undesirable.

One kidney and pregnancy

Until recently, pregnancy and childbirth in the presence of one kidney were considered fatal for a woman - there was a risk that the organ could fail. The level of modern medical care makes it possible to obtain a favorable prognosis for pregnancy while observing comprehensive health control (patients with one kidney are susceptible to infections), a certain daily regimen - alternating rest and work, and a proper diet. A contraindication to pregnancy is only the removal of the kidney due to cancer.

How many people live with one kidney? No less than having such a paired organ. As for any other person, hereditary data, ecology, lifestyle, addiction to bad habits, the presence of other diseases affect life expectancy.

Most people live normal, healthy lives with only one kidney. However, it is important to take care of staying as healthy and safe as possible.

Why can humans have one kidney?

There are three main reasons why a person can only have one kidney:

A person can be born with only one kidney. This condition is called renal agenesis. Another condition called kidney dysplasia is when a person is born with two kidneys, but only one of them is working. Most people who are born without a kidney (or with only one working kidney) can lead normal healthy lives. A person could have one kidney removed during surgery, while treating an injury or disease (such as cancer). A person could donate a kidney to another person who needed a transplant.

What if I was born with only one working kidney?

This growth is called "compensatory" or "restorative". This happens in different ways: it can be the result of an acceleration of cell division or an increase in the size of the cells themselves. For example, if one kidney is removed, the number of cells in the other increases at an increased rate. Eventually, the remaining kidney may grow until it is as large as the two combined. In other words, one healthy kidney can work for two.

Can a transplanted kidney work for two?

Yes. Rigorous testing has shown that a transplanted kidney can also increase in size and function. She can reach a level of functioning that is about 40 percent more than the normal level for a single kidney.

What is the threat of life with one kidney in the future?

In general, most people with one healthy kidney have minor problems all the time. However, some problems in the long run have also been noticed sometimes.

In some people who were born with one kidney, or had it removed during childhood, there is a chance of kidney dysfunction later in life. This usually happens after 25 years or more. There is also a chance of having high blood pressure later in life (suffering from hypertension). However, the loss of kidney function is usually not significant and life expectancy does not change much. Most people with one kidney live healthy, normal lives with a few minor limitations.

How often should a person with one kidney be tested?

Can a person with one kidney go in for sports?

Exercise is health and benefits for everyone. However, it is important for a person with only one kidney to be careful and protect it from injury. This recommendation applies to everyone, regardless of the reason for having one kidney, even people who were born with one kidney, even donors. Some doctors believe it is best to avoid contact sports such as soccer, boxing, hockey, soccer, martial arts, or wrestling.

Should you follow a dedicated single kidney diet?

Most people with one healthy kidney do not need to eat a special diet. If you have one kidney due to a transplant due to illness or kidney failure, then there may be some restrictions on food. If you have questions about your diet, it is worth talking to your doctor or dietitian.

This will also help to make sure Interesting Facts about kidneys and their transplants.

Often people with one kidney live for many years without being sick, and only by chance find out that from birth they have one organ functioning. Living with one kidney involves adherence certain rules that can help maintain health for many years. It is believed that one kidney can take over the functions of two. At the same time, people do not have to greatly limit themselves in actions and change their way of life. For such a person, sports are not contraindicated, and moderate physical labor is even necessary. Women may not give up pregnancy: they have a chance, with the help of doctors, to endure and give birth healthy child, and then calmly take care of him. None Negative consequences do not appear.

How does one kidney function?

The kidneys are a paired organ. They accumulate toxins and toxins, after which they are excreted in the urine. The kidneys must work well; blood pressure and the amount of fluid in the cells depend on it. If both organs are healthy, the loads are evenly distributed. With a decrease in performance or loss of one of the kidneys, almost all functions are taken over by the other. The consequences of this are an increase in size, which is a physiological norm. There are several reasons for the absence of one of the kidneys: congenital anomaly (agenesis or aplasia) or removal surgically with incurable diseases of this organ (nephrectomy). How many live with one organ? Observing some restrictions on food, refusing bad habits and observing the regime, a person can fully live with one kidney. If the remaining organ functions without disturbances, then the disabled person medical indications do not become.

It happens that patients lose both kidneys. What to do in this case, what is the way out? Either lifelong hemodialysis or transplantation (transplant) can save here healthy organ from a donor. The main problem of people living with a transplanted kidney is the constant danger of rejection. In this case, the immune system perceives the new organ as a foreign body, and the lymphocytes begin to try to destroy it. The method of preventing rejection is modern immunosuppressants that suppress the immune system. If you follow the rules, then life with a single kidney, even a transplanted, will be acceptable. A transplanted kidney will work in two, if you monitor your weight, take the prescribed medications in full, follow the recommendations of the transplantologist, and regularly take tests. You also need a life-long diet that is alcohol-free.

A healthy person has two kidneys in the body. This paired organ filters the blood from the remnants of metabolic processes and, together with urine, removes them from the body.

Sometimes (due to malformations) a person is born with only one bean-like organ. This is due to such as (only one kidney is fully developed) or agenesis (one paired organ is completely absent).

Moreover, people with this pathology can live full life... To do this, you must follow special rules that allow you to maintain health for long years... People with one organ should limit hard physical labor, replace it with exercise, follow a diet and drinking regimen.

The causes of this pathology

There are two types of agenesis of the paired organ: bilateral and unilateral. In the first case, the child dies immediately after birth or even in mother's womb because it has no kidneys.

Unilateral agenesis implies the presence of one organ and in most cases is a completely safe condition for life. There is no main reason for this anomaly. Parents may not even suspect that their child has any developmental disabilities.

To compensate for the absence of the second organ, the size of the remaining one is increased. This regenerative feature increases its performance by 45%. In this case, one kidney is not much inferior to the normal functioning of two.

Scientists have found that often a child is born with an anomaly in women with diabetes mellitus... Almost always agenesis occurs due to external factors.

During the period of bearing a child, the woman's body and her fetus are very vulnerable, since they have weakened the immune system... TO etiological factors development of agenesis can be attributed:

Severe viral diseases in a pregnant woman. These include measles and rubella.
Low water during pregnancy.
Abuse alcoholic beverages or drug use during pregnancy.
Exposure of the fetus to toxic substances or ionizing radiation.
The presence of various infections in the genitourinary system in a pregnant woman.
Application hormonal contraceptives while carrying a child.
The presence of infections transmitted by sexual intercourse. The most susceptible to the birth of a child with an anomaly are women infected with syphilis.

According to statistics, boys are more often born with renal agenesis. For every 10 thousand newborns with such an anomaly, 1–3 children are detected. In the absence of a kidney, this is most often the left organ.

Symptoms of pathology in a child

The presence of an abnormality of the filtering organs in an infant on initial stage does not show any symptoms if the baby is healthy. Often, pathology is detected by chance when performing preventive examinations.

Sometimes a child may show aching pain in the groin, passing into the area of the sacrum. Girls with anomalies have pathologies of the reproductive system. Underdevelopment of the vagina and hypoplasia of the uterus are often found.

Another manifestation of the clinical picture:

swelling of the face;
dry skin, mucous membranes;
frequent regurgitation;
profuse urination;
lethargy;
deformation auricles and skull;
high blood pressure;
increased distance between the eyes;
protruding forehead;
macrognathia - underdevelopment of the jaw;
flat and wide nose.

Boys show specific symptoms... They do not have a duct that carries out seminal fluid.

Quite often, children with agenesis are born prematurely, and their filtering organ is enlarged. If the kidney does not cope with the functions assigned to it, the symptoms appear almost immediately after the birth of the baby.

Diagnostic methods

In those days, when the ultrasound machine was not yet developed, many people lived with an anomaly without knowing it. Now the absence of an organ in a child is sometimes determined even while the fetus is in the womb. However, this is quite difficult to identify. The adrenal gland can be defined as a kidney.

After the baby is born, the diagnosis confirms:

nephrocytinography (determines the accumulation of radioisotopes in the kidney area);
angiography (reveals the absence of blood vessels in the organ in the area of the affected side).

The doctor can prescribe a conduction. Taking anamnesis is of great importance. The doctor finds out not only the possible reasons for the development of agenesis, but also learns all the features of the course of pregnancy.

How to live with one organ

People with an abnormality from birth need to observe food restrictions. It is necessary to maintain a certain diet, sleep and wakefulness.

It is required to lead a healthy lifestyle, giving up alcoholic beverages and smoking. The life of people with such an anomaly is full and practically does not differ from others.

In the event (surgery to remove one of the kidneys), the person can also lead normal life... Immediately after the operation, he needs bed rest and rest. In the first days, you need to eat only with a sparing diet. Rehabilitation can take a long time.

However, with normal condition the patient, about ten days after the nephrectomy, the person returns to workplace... This happens if his profession is not associated with manual labor.

Adult patients living with the abnormality may experience various problems that will accompany them constantly. This is mainly high blood pressure.

There is a risk of organ dysfunction. Women with this pathology have difficulties during pregnancy. However, there are many known cases of the birth of normally developed children in mothers with one kidney.

To avoid various complications, patients need to be examined by a doctor at least once a year. The recommendations of a specialist will help support the organ, as well as improve its performance.

Methods of therapeutic action

Therapy for these patients depends mainly on the condition of the kidney. If she is healthy and performs all the functions of the second organ, then special treatment not required. It is necessary to be observed by a urologist and follow all his recommendations (observe proper nutrition and drinking regimen).

No specific therapy is prescribed for treatment. For hypertension, blood pressure medications are usually prescribed. In most cases, it is necessary to use means to increase immunity.

Medicines

In some cases, after removal of one kidney, the patient's condition does not return to normal. The kidney is a paired organ, therefore, problems arising from one side can "move" to the other.

This is facilitated by the wrong behavior of the patient himself - the requirements of the attending physician are not followed, the body is exposed to increased loads and stress, a strict diet is not supported.

If a violation of even one of the basic functions of the kidney is detected, it is necessary to immediately begin the treatment that it prescribes. The choice of drugs depends on the patient's condition, the interpretation of his analyzes and the identified pathology.

Supportive care

Patients living with one kidney should have regular blood and urine tests, as well as instrumental examinations. Supportive care includes the use of antibacterial agents.

In the case of development, the goal of treatment is to slow down the rate of progression of the pathology.

Types of operations

With the ineffectiveness of the conservative therapy are used (using the apparatus "artificial kidney") or, in which the blood is purified by the introduction and subsequent drainage outside of a special liquid.

In some cases it is necessary. Transplantation is the most effective way getting rid of kidney failure.

For lifelong, periodic connection of the patient to " artificial kidney»To perform blood filtration. At the same time, it is saturated with all the necessary substances, the acid-base balance is restored.

Connection to the device is carried out strictly in the mode prescribed by the attending physician. Failure to do so increases the risk of death.

Diet prescriptions

A fundamental factor for a complete and active life is an diet food... Some foods must be present in the diet: black bread, vegetables, eggs, honey, sour cream. Fish and meat should only be boiled.

How much they should be on the menu depends on the organism. An experienced dietitian will advise each patient individually how much and what foods to eat.

Any diet should not be started abruptly, as this will negatively affect health. It is necessary to gradually abandon the use of large amounts of protein, pasta and legumes. It is better to replace these products with potatoes or boiled vegetables.

With such a pathology, it is necessary to exclude all salty, spicy and smoked dishes. It is also necessary to refuse canned food. Can not use mineral water... Instead of coffee and alcohol, you should drink herbal teas, fruit drinks or compotes.

A gradual transition from a protein diet implies the implementation of the following recommendations:

Boiled fish, meat can be eaten no more three times in a week.
You need to eat oatmeal more often, buckwheat porridge, white grain and black bread (others flour products should be excluded, since carbohydrates deliver the body a large number of energy).
Dairy products should also be consumed, especially cream and sour cream. However, milk is recommended no more than once a week, as it can provoke education.

In the presence of only one paired organ in a person, it helps to remove fluid from the body skin covering... Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the hygiene of the skin more.

Complications and contraindications

The fears of patients are associated only with kidney pathologies. After all, they have one organ, therefore, attention to its condition is doubled. The most dangerous manifestations of agenesis are:

Violation of urination. The volume of urine may decrease and even be completely absent.
Renal - an attack of pain, accompanied by urinary disorders.
High blood pressure that cannot be treated with conventional medications. Indicators can reach very high numbers.

With the above manifestations, you should immediately contact a nephrologist. If there are no such violations, then it is necessary to conduct an examination at least once a year and take urine and blood tests. The doctor can give different recommendations for each patient individually.

Preventive measures

eat properly;
do not abuse alcohol;
undergo a medical examination once a year;
moderately engage in sports;
treat all diseases in time.

Pregnant women should lead a healthy lifestyle and give up bad habits.

An important point of prevention is measures against the development of any renal pathologies... To fulfill them, patients must stop drinking alcohol and avoid hypothermia. It is also required to timely treat all infectious diseases... After all, their complicated course can provoke organ damage.

In the presence of increased blood pressure together with the attending physician is selected effective treatment... It is possible to prescribe a combination of two or more drugs, the intake of which is complemented by diet and lifestyle changes.

In this case, blood pressure is constantly monitored. Attention! It should be remembered that in collisions occurring in contact sports, falls from a bicycle or an accident, there is the possibility of injury to internal organs.

However, the presence of only one kidney is not a contraindication for sports. Moderate exercise is an absolute must.

Most people with one kidney lead a normal life. But it all depends on the reason why the person has lost this organ. And there are several of these reasons, which lead to the loss or malfunctioning of one of the two organs. One of these - congenital pathology... For example, at the stage intrauterine development baby, only one kidney is formed, or after birth, during development, only one left or right kidney develops and grows (such a deviation is called dysplasia). Surgical removal is also possible ( nephrectomy) in connection with the defeat of such diseases as: tumor, polycystic disease, pyelonephritis, tuberculosis, cancer, developmental anomaly, etc. The option of organ donation is not excluded - kidney transplant to another person.

Depending on the reasons that led to the loss of the organ, the subsequent treatment, rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation diets, as well as the daily lifestyle of a person, will be determined.

If one kidney is a congenital pathology

Our body has a unique function - it adapts to different living conditions. If it so happens that your child or you have formed only one kidney since birth, or only one kidney performs its functions, do not be alarmed. Due to the ability of our body to adapt, the remaining organ, in order to perform all functions for two, will develop faster both functionally and physically and can reach almost double the size of the standard (standard kidney dimensions are about 12 cm in length, 5.5 cm in width).

If the kidney is removed as a result of illness or injury

When these organs (kidneys) work in pairs, each of them uses its capabilities by a quarter. After nephrectomy, the blood flow to the remaining kidney increases by one and a half times, which makes it possible to almost double the functionality of the remaining organ. The process of final adaptation of one kidney to all additional loads is rather long and lasts about a year. But after this time, the remaining organ will fully perform all the functions of the two kidneys.

If the nephrectomy is associated with trauma, cyst, hydronephrosis and the second kidney is healthy, it is not necessary to perform any indications or additional procedures. The person can continue to lead a normal life.

If the removal of an organ is associated with pyelonephritis or kidney tuberculosis, it is necessary to follow the recommendations of doctors. In this case, it is usually used, restrictions in fluid intake, exercise control and constant monitoring by the attending physician until complete recovery.

It should be remembered that the recommendations are aimed at prevention possible illness the remaining kidney. During the rehabilitation period after removal of the kidney, it is necessary to avoid physical activity, hypothermia, colds, control the amount of fluid consumed, the composition and quality of food.

Pregnancy with one kidney

Pregnancy and one kidney are quite compatible, but there are a number of factors to consider that may further affect your health or fetal development. To predict pregnancy and childbirth with such a pathology, great importance has a diagnosis or reason for missing an organ.

If you have congenital pathology, then before conception it will be enough to consult your doctor. If you transferred kidney removal surgery and are planning to conceive, you need to wait 2-3 years until the adaptation of the remaining kidney to the increased load is completed. And also to treat and prevent the remaining organ if the cause of the nephrectomy (removal) was an infection.

Pregnancy with one kidney is usually normal. The indications of urine analyzes practically do not differ from the standard indicators during pregnancy. The flow of urine is not impaired.

Before conception, kidney function and general health women should be carefully examined by a urologist or nephrologist.

General principles of nutrition after kidney removal

After you have parted with one of the kidneys, your body experiences a certain load, both in filtration functions and in metabolism. The diet after removal of the left or right kidney is no different and should be based on certain principles:

the daily menu should consist of easily digestible and satisfying food;
minimize the consumption of protein foods (meat, fish, legumes and other protein-containing dishes);
fluid intake should be moderate. The daily intake of liquids, including soups, tea, juices, etc., should be within 1 liter;
significantly reduce the amount of salt in cooking.

It is not recommended to completely abandon carbohydrates and proteins. Their amount in the daily diet should correspond daily rate person. Daily diet must be balanced and fortified. It is recommended to reduce the amount of food consumed at a time, but increase the frequency of intake up to 5-6 times a day. Also, it is recommended to change the way of cooking. Replace fried foods with boiled, stewed, baked ones. Steam bath meals are especially welcome. They are very easily absorbed by the body, while maximizing the usefulness of the products that were used in the preparation.

A special diet is used until the body gets used to the absence of one of the kidneys. After adaptation, all new foods are introduced into the diet gradually.

When drawing up a diet, be sure to consult a nephrologist or nutritionist, because, depending on each a separate case, food may vary.