Kidney Failure
A serious condition where the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and excess water from the blood
What is Kidney Failure?
Kidney failure, also known as renal failure, occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to adequately filter waste products and excess water from the blood. This can happen suddenly (acute kidney failure) or develop gradually over time (chronic kidney failure). When kidneys fail, dangerous levels of waste and fluid can build up in the body, leading to serious complications that require immediate medical attention.
Common Symptoms
Kidney failure can cause various symptoms as toxins and fluid build up in the body:
- Shortness of breath - Difficulty breathing due to fluid buildup in lungs
- Sharp chest pain - Pain in the chest area from fluid accumulation
- Nausea - Feeling sick due to toxin buildup in the blood
- Vomiting - Throwing up as a result of uremic toxins
- Arm swelling - Fluid retention causing swelling in arms
- Leg swelling - Edema in legs and feet from fluid retention
- Swollen abdomen - Abdominal distension from fluid accumulation
- Symptoms of the kidneys - Various kidney-related symptoms
Common Causes
Kidney failure can result from various underlying conditions and factors:
Acute Kidney Failure Causes
- Dehydration: Severe fluid loss from illness or inadequate intake
- Kidney infections: Severe infections affecting kidney function
- Medications: Certain drugs toxic to kidneys (NSAIDs, antibiotics)
- Blockages: Kidney stones or enlarged prostate blocking urine flow
- Heart failure: Reduced blood flow to kidneys
- Severe burns or trauma: Major injuries affecting blood flow
Chronic Kidney Failure Causes
- Diabetes: High blood sugar damaging kidney vessels over time
- High blood pressure: Chronic hypertension damaging kidney arteries
- Polycystic kidney disease: Genetic condition causing kidney cysts
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of kidney filtering units
- Autoimmune diseases: Lupus and other conditions affecting kidneys
Types of Kidney Failure
Acute Kidney Failure
Sudden loss of kidney function over hours to days. Often reversible with prompt treatment. Requires immediate medical attention.
Chronic Kidney Failure
Gradual decline in kidney function over months to years. Usually irreversible but progression can be slowed with treatment.
End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Final stage of chronic kidney disease where kidneys function at less than 10% of normal capacity. Requires dialysis or transplant.
Treatment Options
Acute Kidney Failure Treatment
- Treating underlying cause: Address the condition causing kidney failure
- Fluid management: Careful monitoring and adjustment of fluid intake
- Electrolyte correction: Balancing sodium, potassium, and other minerals
- Medication adjustment: Modifying or stopping nephrotoxic drugs
- Temporary dialysis: If needed to remove toxins and excess fluid
Chronic Kidney Failure Management
- Blood pressure control: ACE inhibitors or ARBs to protect kidneys
- Diabetes management: Strict blood sugar control
- Dietary modifications: Protein, sodium, and phosphorus restrictions
- Anemia treatment: Iron supplements and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents
- Bone disease prevention: Phosphate binders and vitamin D analogs
Advanced Treatment
- Hemodialysis: Machine filters blood several times per week
- Peritoneal dialysis: Uses abdominal lining to filter blood
- Kidney transplant: Best long-term treatment for end-stage renal disease
When to Seek Emergency Care
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Severe swelling in legs, arms, or abdomen
- Little to no urine production
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Confusion or altered mental state
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
- Severe fatigue or weakness
Potential Complications
- Fluid overload: Leading to heart failure and pulmonary edema
- Electrolyte imbalances: Dangerous levels of potassium, sodium
- Bone disease: Calcium and phosphorus imbalances
- Anemia: Reduced red blood cell production
- Heart disease: Increased risk of cardiovascular complications
- High blood pressure: Difficulty controlling blood pressure
Prevention
- Control diabetes with proper blood sugar management
- Maintain healthy blood pressure levels
- Stay adequately hydrated, especially during illness
- Avoid overuse of NSAIDs and other nephrotoxic medications
- Regular medical check-ups to monitor kidney function
- Maintain a healthy diet low in sodium and processed foods
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
- Don't smoke and limit alcohol consumption