According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, results from a 2008 national health survey show that 3.7 million American adults have renal disease. This figure does not include people who are in the hospital receiving treatment for...
Urinalysis is a laboratory tool used by health care professionals to screen for a variety of metabolic and kidney conditions, including urinary tract infections. It can be used as part of a routine physical evaluation or if the person has symptoms...
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) affects nearly 1 percent of all pregnant women. This disorder--which typically begins early in a woman's pregnancy, between the fourth and sixth weeks--is characterized by extreme nausea and vomiting. Hyperemesis...
High urine protein is called proteinuria. While transitory proteinuria is common, persistent proteinuria is a red flag for kidney disease. This symptom often lurks under the radar until it's revealed by a urine test, often performed in conjunction...
"Every day, a person's kidneys process about 200 quarts of blood to sift out about 2 quarts of waste products and extra water. The wastes and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters," according to the...
Herbal concoctions that supposedly "cleanse" the kidneys can be found all over the Internet. Many of these are marketing scam artists who are manipulating the desperation of kidney patients with pseudo-scientific language. Others are suggested by...
Several external factors, such as vitamin intake and diet, can change urine color. These effects typically are temporary and harmless. However, in certain cases, the effect of vitamins on urine can have negative consequences, especially if your...
Although intravenous fluid bags all look similar, the fluids they contain can have markedly different effects on the human body. Intravenous fluids can be isotonic, meaning their electrolyte composition is similar to that of human blood;...
Yes, it can. Of course, there are many variables involved. It depends on the test and the actual condition of your body after the workout. For the most accurate results, blood tests should be done when rested or with normal activity. Some are only...
Dark circles and sunken eyes signify a lack of hydration in your body, which may lead to organ failure or death. Knowing how to treat dehydration may save your life or the life of a loved one. Before you can treat someone who is experiencing...
Creatine is a compound made in your liver from amino acids and functions as an alternative energy source for your muscles during activity. Most people take creatine in supplement form, since it provides a high enough dosage to produce results....
Patients who are newly diagnosed with kidney disease are often confused and scared. Instead of reaching out to their doctor or other reputable sources of information, some patients turn to misinformation found on the Internet that counsels...
While the average person probably doesn't think too much about urine, doctors do. Its characteristics can be used to detect a number of health problems. For example, urine's color, odor, pH and specific gravity give physicians valuable insight...