They may be injured from damage to the blood vessels that supply or drain them, such as may occur with arterial occlusion or renal vein thrombosis . Kidneys may also bleed profusely if they are damaged. The most common result of kidney injury from external force is bruising of the kidney, which is self contained and heals spontaneously. The most dangerous result of kidney damage from external force is bleeding , which can be profuse and life threatening. Each kidney filters about 1700 liters of blood per day and concentrates fluid and waste products into about 1 liter of urine per day.
Analgesic nephropathy is one of the most common types of toxic damage to the kidney.
Injury to the kidney may result in short-term damage with minimal or no symptoms. It may also be life threatening from bleeding and associated shock , or it may result in acute renal failure or chronic renal failure . Toxic injury often may be prevented by properly observing the directions for use of the medication or product. Use cleaning products, solvents, and fuels as directed, in a well-ventilated area, because the fumes may also be toxic. Be aware of potential sources of lead poisoning , such as old paints, vapors from working with lead coated metals, alcohol distilled in recycled car radiators, and similar sources.