The kidneys are a pair of organs that are located towards the lower back. One kidney is located on each side of the spine. Kidneys perform a very vital function in the body. They filter the blood and remove toxins from the body by sending them to the bladder which are then expelled from the body through urination. When the kidneys are no longer able to sufficiently filter waste from the blood, it is called kidney failure. It is a very serious condition and can be life threatening if left untreated. Another term for Kidney Failure is end-stage renal disease.
Symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms of kidney failure are as below:
- Not enough urine
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Itching
- Muscle cramps
- Lethargy
- Swelling in legs, ankles and feet
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Coma
- High levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia)
- Back pain
- Abdominal pain
Causes
Kidney failure is usually caused by other health conditions or diseases that have damaged the kidneys slowly over a period of time. When the kidneys get damaged they are not able to perform their function properly and as they get worse it results in chronic kidney disease. The final stage of chronic kidney disease is kidney failure.
The most common diseases that cause kidney failure are:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Autoimmune diseases like lupus
- Genetic diseases like polycystic kidney disease
- Urinary tract problems
- Chronic glomerulonephritis
In some cases the kidneys may suddenly stop working. This type of kidney failure is called acute kidney or renal failure and may be caused due to a heart attack, insufficient blood flowing to the kidneys, drug abuse. This type of kidney failure is not permanent and with treatment and medication the kidneys may go back to normal functioning if there is no other disease.
Treatment
There is no full cure for kidney failure. The usual options are kidney transplant and dialysis. Dialysis does not cure kidney failure but extends the life span of the person suffering from this condition.
Having a health problem that could lead to kidney failure may not necessarily lead to kidney failure. Living a healthy lifestyle and closely monitoring the health condition can help the kidneys to work normally for as long as possible.
Disclaimer: The information in no way constitutes, or should be construed as medical advice. Nor is the above article an endorsement of any research findings discussed in the article an endorsement for any of the source publications.
Sources-
- https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-failure#treatment
- https://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-disease/kidney-failure/
- https://www.medicinenet.com/kidney_failure/article.htm
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