Kidney disease (also called renal disease) happens when your kidneys are damaged and can’t work as well as they should.

Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on each side of your spine, just below your rib cage. They have several important jobs:

• Filter waste and toxins from your blood

• Remove extra water, turning it into urine

• Balance minerals (like sodium, potassium, and calcium)

• Regulate blood pressure

• Help make red blood cells and keep your bones healthy

When your kidneys are damaged, they slowly lose their ability to do these jobs. This can cause waste and fluid to build up in your body, leading to symptoms such as swelling, tiredness, high blood pressure, or changes in urination.