how long one can survive with one kidney
I am a bit worried about my brother who had to get a kidney removed due to some bad infection last year. He was always the healthy one while I struggle with my own issues but now, I just can’t shake off this thought about how long one can survive with one kidney. Like, does he need to change his lifestyle drastically? He's been active and still plays soccer on weekends, but I keep thinking does that put extra strain on his remaining kidney? I mean, how long can one really survive with one kidney? I read somewhere (not sure if it’s true) that someone can live normally with just one but then I also saw posts that freaked me out saying they can end up with kidney disease down the line. He gets check-ups regularly and his doctor said everything looks fine, but I can't help worring about how long one can survive with one kidney if he doesn't take care of himself? What if down the line he gets issues? I mean, how long one can survive with one kidney really depends on how we take care of our bodies, right? I wish I could just get a straight answer about how long one can survive with one kidney because this whole thing is just making me anxious. Anyone gone through this or can share any insights?
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.
Doctors' responses
People can generally live a long and healthy life with just one kidney, and many individuals do so without significant changes to their lifestyle. The human body is quite adaptable, and the remaining kidney often compensates by increasing its function to handle the body’s needs. It’s true that having a single kidney does require some vigilance, but for most, it doesn’t mean drastically changing their everyday routine. Since your brother stays active and continues to play soccer, he’s likely getting good physical exercise, which is beneficial. Maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle is key—this means having a well-rounded diet, staying hydrated, and monitoring blood pressure to prevent any undue stress on the kidney. Regular check-ups, which he’s already doing, are crucial as they can monitor kidney function over time. While there is some increased risk of kidney disease in the long term when you have just one kidney, the risk can be significantly mitigated with good health practices. Important red flags to watch for include changes in urinary habits, swelling in the hands or feet, or high blood pressure. Addressing these promptly with medical attention is important. Encourage him to avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, and steer clear of medications that might strain the kidneys, like NSAIDs taken in high doses or for extended periods. His healthcare provider is the best source for personalized advice, so checking in regularly there helps stay ahead of potential issues. While no medical advice can completely eliminate risk, following these guidelines can certainly improve quality of life and longevity with a single kidney.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.
