kidney Shrinkage
Kidney Shrinkage, also known as renal atrophy , is a condition where one or both kidneys become smaller than their normal size. A healthy adult kidney is usually about 10–12 cm long, but when kidney tissues get damaged over time, the kidney starts shrinking and loses its ability to filter blood effectively. This condition is often linked with chronic kidney disease (CKD) , long-term infections, or reduced blood flow to the kidneys. For many people, the diagnosis is discovered accidentally during an ultrasound or routine health check-up. Understanding kidney shrinkage is extremely important because early detection can slow down further damage and improve kidney health. What Is Kidney Shrinkage? Kidney shrinkage occurs when the nephrons—the functional units responsible for filtering waste—become damaged or die due to disease or long-standing inflammation. When these nephrons are lost, the kidney becomes smaller, harder, and less efficient. This condition does not usually develop ...