Kidney Failure - Symptoms, Risk factors and Treatment

kidney failure is a gradual loss of kidney function. The kidneys are one of the essential organs that work day and night to keep you healthy and functional. They excrete out waste and excess water that are harmful to our bodies. If they do not work well, toxins will build up, hence causing damage. Therefore, you must take their proper care, as their functioning plays a role in our survival and quality of life.

Dialysis performs the role of a kidney that is unable to function well. According to experts, dialysis is done when the kidney is working at only 10 to 15% of its normal function.

In dialysis, your blood is filtered through a machine to get rid of toxins and waste products. It keeps your fluid and electrolytes in balance as your kidneys do. 

Kidney disease

Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, often does not show any symptoms. It is often referred to as a silent killer. It is because when it shows symptoms, a lot of damage has already occurred. At the initial stages, it does not show such bothering symptoms. 

Acute kidney disease

Its onset is sudden and causes decreased perfusion to kidneys, shock, dehydration, and decreased urine output. Mostly it occurs due to any infections or autoimmune conditions. 

Kidney failure

Its onset is gradual and takes time to show symptoms.

Causes of Kidney failure

There are various causes of kidney failure. It can occur due to any of the following reasons.

• Glomerulonephritis-that can occur due to any virus and bacteria.
• Uncontrolled diabetes 
• Uncontrolled hypertension 
• Obesity 
• Chronic kidney infections
• Obstruction in the urinary tract 
• Congenital problems in the structure and functioning of kidneys
• Hepatorenal syndrome-kidney failure that occurs secondary to liver failure
• Lupus nephritis 
• Polycystic kidney disease

However, this list is not exhaustive. There may be other reasons too for kidney failure. Therefore visiting a doctor is a must if you feel any symptoms of kidney failure.

Kidney failure is divided into five stages depending on the symptoms and damage it causes. Stage I is the mildest one, while stage V is the advanced one.

Symptoms of kidney failure

You must pay attention to the symptoms mentioned below because if you have kidney disease, an early diagnosis can be made. 

High blood pressure 

Kidneys play an essential role in regulating blood pressure. If they are not working well, your blood pressure may rise up. Therefore, if your blood pressure remains higher than normal, you must consult with a healthcare provider about it. 

Changes in Urine 

You may notice a change in the color of your urine and urinating habits. The frequency of urinating may decrease or stop. Therefore, keep an eye on how many times you need to use the toilet in a day, as it can be an indication of underlying kidney disease.

Swelling 

We do not pay much attention if our body is swelled up a little. But it can be a sign of kidney disease. When your kidneys do not work well, they retain water and can not excrete it out, leading to swelling. 

Nausea and vomiting 

The build-up of toxins and waste products in the body can cause nausea and vomiting. 

Brain fog

When toxins build up in the body and can not get out, they may reach the brain, confusing and bring fog. Also, you may feel more lethargic and lazy. 

Conclusion

All the above-mentioned symptoms may not appear simultaneously. One may go, and another may come. Therefore, to be on the safe side, you must consult with a healthcare provider if you have any one or more of these symptoms. Doing that at the right time can help in the early detection of the disease, through which management of the condition becomes easier. If kidney failure is diagnosed at the last stage, the healthcare providers do not have much treatment to offer in this scenario. Therefore if your blood pressure remains elevated and your urine output is decreasing, you must visit a healthcare provider.