You may wonder what the normal size of a kidney is? Unfortunately, not everyone has a CT scanning machine that can predict the size of the internal organs. However, the normal size of the kidney may vary from person to person. Besides, the size and shape change as you keep aging. So you can say the kidney size in the child, toddler, or fully grown adult can be different, not much with the difference, just a few millimeters. Yet, various kidney conditions and diseases can change the size.
Along with this, you might be confused about how kidney size is measured? What are the significant differences? What causes the difference? What is the unit of measurement? We will be looking at each parameter and will go into the details in this article.
Normal Kidney Size
Kidneys are nothing but two bean-shaped organs. Besides, they are located above the uterus. The key of the kidney is to perform the purification process. Therefore, kidney contribution is very important. They are responsible for filtering blood and maintaining fluid balance. Yet, both kidneys are attached to the ureter, which carries extracted urine to the bladder.
According to experts, the normal size of the kidney varies from 9 to 14 centimeters. Besides, it is measured by computed tomography or MRI scan. Yet, one (left) kidney may be slightly larger than the right kidney. In addition, the kidney size in men ranges from
10 to 14 centimeters. Further, in women, the size varies from 9 to 13 centimeters. However, this variation is caused due to gender parameters. And the normal width of the kidney ranges from 3 to 5.5 centimeters thick. Besides, the weight of the kidney varies from 140 to 280 grams.Conditions that affect the size of the kidney
Everyone wishes to have healthy kidneys. Kidneys may seem to be small organs, but they play a vital role. However, various conditions can affect kidney size. The conditions are as follows:
- Diabetes
It is one of the kidney conditions that can cause the change in size and shape. It can also affect the filtration process. In addition, this can harm the urinary tract.
- High Cholesterol
Bad cholesterol can affect the vessels which carry blood. Besides, this is one of the reasons that cause a change in kidney size. However, high cholesterol also provokes diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Blood Clots
The formation of the blood clot occurs due to blood disorders and various conditions. Besides, it can affect the heart, brain and kidneys. For example, bleeding from the hums or nose are some of the symptoms of major kidney changes.
- Hemolytic Syndrome
It is the blood cells problem that leads to the blockage of the filtering system. Besides, the kidney is the main cleaner. Thus hemolytic syndrome is one of the conditions affecting the kidney.
- Urine Blockage
In some cases, when you want to pee but are not able to do it properly. Then you might have a urinary blockage. It is one of the common conditions associated with the kidney. Besides, it can lead to numerous problems, including colon cancer, bladder cancer and kidney stones.
How to measure the size of a kidney?
As we know, the normal size of the kidney varies from 10 to 14 centimeters and 3 to 5 centimeters in width. It is good to be curious about measuring your kidney. However, it is only technically possible. You can measure the kidney mainly sonographically. Besides, CT scans and MRI scans can help in measuring the kidney. Nominally the doctor will proceed with a scanning procedure to measure the
normal size of the kidney.How to take care of your kidneys?
According to the experts, we can initiate to keep our kidneys and body organs healthy. It is a slow process, but the routine brings many benefits.
- It is beneficial to eat at least four meals a day.
- Check your cholesterol levels.
- Monitor your blood pressure and sugar level
- According to the nutritionist it is good to consume more fruits.
- Follow the medications prescribed by the doctor.
- Follow the routine check-up.
- Practice exercise, meditation, and stay active.
- Excrete twice a day. Make sure to pee whenever you feel. Besides, don’t try to restrain yourself.
- Eat food that has a low level of salt composition.
- Drink water frequently. In fact one individual should at least drink 2 liters of water.
Kidneys are the important organs. They may look tiny, but their contribution is equal to the brain, heart and lungs. It is the main purification system in the body. However, the size of the kidney can keep changing with a few centimeters in size. The numerous conditions can cause many diseases. Thus it is really necessary to drink water frequently. Yet, it is essential to excrete properly in day-to-day life.
In addition, it is beneficial to take a health check-up once in a while. It will help to monitor your health conditions. Furthermore, it maintains the proper balance of your health.
Frequently Asked Question
- What is the normal kidney size in women?
- The size may vary from 9 to 13 centimeters in women.
- What is the typical weight of the kidney in the human body?
- Generally, a kidney weighs 0.55% in the human body; the typical weight is 150 grams.
- I have diabetes. Will it affect my kidneys?
- Yes, diabetes can affect your kidneys as it is associated with the filtering process.
- What is a kidney stone?
- Kidney stone is the hard rock that is in millimeter size. It blocks the filtering process and causes severe pain,
- What are the health conditions that affect kidneys?
- Various health conditions can affect your kidneys. Besides, it includes high cholesterol, diabetes, lupus, and high blood pressure.
- How to look after your kidneys?
- The experts suggest drinking two-liter water daily. In addition, to excrete fluid and solids twice a day.
- What is the main function of the kidney?
- It contributes to the filtration process and works as a purification system.
- Is kidney stone life-threatening?
- kidney stone creates a blockage in the urinary tract. However, it is not life-threatening. Yet, it can bring many complications if not treated on time.
- Is drinking water beneficial?
- Yes, it is very beneficial and keeps your body fluid clean. Besides, it helps in balancing the health of the kidneys.
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