People with One Kidney: A Guide

Your kidneys are one of the vital organs of the body. It primarily functions to balance the body fluids, filter and regulate minerals from the blood, and eliminate waste products and toxins from the system. Most people are born with two healthy kidneys. However, some people may have to live with only one functioning kidney – this condition is known as solitary kidney.

What might lead to having a solitary kidney?

Three factors could lead to having a single kidney. These are –

• Birth Defect – Some people may be born with one kidney – a condition commonly known as renal agenesis. Some born with another condition, referred to as kidney dysplasia have only one of the two kidneys functioning. In most cases, those born with either of the two conditions do not discover that they are living with a solitary kidney until an X-ray or ultrasound is performed.

• Kidney Surgery – Sometimes, a person may have to get one kidney surgically removed in order to treat an injury or a grave disease like cancer. During the surgery, both the ureter and the kidney are removed.

• Kidney Donation – A person may have donated one of the two kidneys to someone in need of a kidney transplant.

Usually, a person is able to live a full, healthy life even with one kidney. However, some people may be at risk of developing kidney diseases when living with a solitary kidney.

What are the long-term complications for people living with one kidney?

A person, who was born with one kidney, or have had to remove one of the kidneys in childhood, may have a chance of loss of kidney functioning later in life. This typically takes about 25 years or more to happen.

People living with one kidney are also susceptible to proteinuria – this happens when too much protein leaks into urine from your bloodstream.

You may also have to experience high blood pressure in future. Nevertheless, the loss of kidney functioning is mild and life span, normal.

How often should you see a doctor?

Since you are living with one kidney, it is important that you maintain good kidney health and keep track of its functioning. It is advisable that you get your kidney checked once a year, at the least. Your healthcare provider will monitor your kidney functioning using a simple blood test and urine sample test. You should also monitor your blood pressure levels at regular intervals.

What precautions should you take when living with a solitary kidney?

In order to keep your only remaining kidney healthy, you must ensure leading a healthful lifestyle.

• You should eat a healthy diet, preferably low in sodium, such as the DASH diet

• You should make it a point to exercise daily and maintain a healthy body weight

• You must cut back on excessive alcohol consumption and smoking

When living with one kidney, bladder infections should be identified quickly and treated effectively.