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What is the Normal Size for Kidneys

Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: January 25, 2017
What is the Normal Size for Kidneys

Kidneys play a key role in our body and in all vertebrates, purifying toxins and filtering blood to ensure that the body is clean and functioning optimally. Kidneys are essential for the urinary system as well as for other parts of the body. Learning about their function and features, e.g. their size, is crucial to understand how to care for them properly, keeping them in good condition to ensure long-term health. OneHowTo.com explains what the normal size for kidneys are and why they should keep them healthy.

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Contents

  1. What is the function of the kidneys
  2. What it is the normal size for kidneys
  3. What conditions affect the size of the kidneys
  4. How to look after your kidneys

What is the function of the kidneys

Each of us have two kidneys located on either side of the spine. These organs perform the essential function of filtering the blood, removing waste products such as urea, uric acid as well as excess nutrients and minerals that the body can't absorb, through urine.

To improve kidney function, drinking plenty of water is essential, as is following a healthy, nutrient-dense diet. This should prevent these organs from having to work too hard to filter the blood.

What it is the normal size for kidneys

Ultrasound is the test by which we can see the size of these organs and make sure they are healthy. A normal-sized kidney for an adult ranges between 9 and 12 centimetres, which is, according to some experts, very similar to the size of a fist.

Some conditions can affect the size of these organs, a red flag for our doctor that something is amiss.

However, the size might vary from person to person, and it doesn't mean that having a 13 centimetres kidney is a problem. Your doctor will be the one to determine whether your kidneys' size is correct or not and if it can affect your health.

What is the Normal Size for Kidneys - What it is the normal size for kidneys

What conditions affect the size of the kidneys

Conditions that affect the size of the kidneys include:

  • Pyelonephritis: a bacterial infection that causes kidney inflammation.
  • Glomerulonephritis: inflammation of the glomeruli due to infection.
  • Nephritis inflammation of these organs as a result of infection.

If a medical examination reveals an abnormality in the size of a kidney or kidneys, a series of tests should be undertaken to determine the cause and to prescribe the necessary treatment as soon as possible.

How to look after your kidneys

The health of our kidneys in vital in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Neglecting them can lead to conditions such as kidney stones, or even renal failure.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to What is the Normal Size for Kidneys, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.

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What is the Normal Size for Kidneys