Kidney failure, also known as renal failure, is a serious medical condition where the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste from the blood. Understanding the kidney failure symptoms, its underlying causes, and effective treatment options can significantly improve the quality of life and prevent further complications.
What is kidney failure?
Kidney failure occurs when one or both kidneys lose their ability to function effectively. This loss of function can be sudden and temporary (acute kidney failure) or a gradual, long-term process (chronic kidney failure).
Untreated kidney failure can progress to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), a life-threatening condition. While survival without treatment for ESKD is limited to days or weeks, appropriate medical care can significantly improve quality of life and help manage the condition.
What functions do the kidneys perform?
Your kidneys, roughly the size of your fists, are bean-shaped organs located beneath your ribcage, towards your back. While most people have two kidneys, a single functioning kidney is sufficient for a healthy life.
A key function of the kidneys is to filter waste and toxins from your blood, eliminating them from the body through urine.
When the kidneys fail to function properly, these waste products accumulate, leading to illness and, without treatment, ultimately death. However, with appropriate medical intervention, many individuals can effectively manage kidney failure.
How common is kidney failure?
Kidney Failure (ESRD) is a significant global health issue with varying prevalence based on age, lifestyle, and health conditions.
- Global Prevalence: 850 million people worldwide suffer from kidney diseases, with millions progressing to kidney failure (International Society of Nephrology).
- United States: Approximately 786,000 Americans live with ESRD, with 130,000 new cases annually (CDC).
- India: Estimated 200,000 new kidney failure cases yearly, with treatment access a challenge.
- Major Risk Factors: Diabetes and high blood pressure cause 75% of kidney failure cases.
- Rising Incidence: Kidney failure is less common than early-stage kidney disease, but increasing due to rising diabetes, hypertension, and aging populations.
- Prevention: Early detection and management of kidney disease are crucial to prevent progression to failure.
What Are The Five Critical Stages Of End-Stage Renal Disease?
Kidney disease is categorized into stages based on your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), determined through a blood test.
The eGFR measures how effectively your kidneys filter substances. A normal eGFR is above 90, while an eGFR of 0 indicates complete loss of kidney function.
Here are the five stages of kidney disease:
- Stage 1: eGFR above 90. Mild kidney damage, normal kidney function.
- Stage 2: eGFR between 60 and 89. More kidney damage, but still good kidney function.
- Stage 3: eGFR between 30 and 59. Mild to severe loss of kidney function.
- Stage 4: eGFR between 15 and 29. Severe loss of kidney function.
- Stage 5: eGFR below 15. Kidneys are nearing or have reached complete failure. Symptoms often appear at this stage.
What are the symptoms of kidney failure
Early-stage kidney disease often presents with minimal to no noticeable symptoms, yet damage can still be occurring. While kidney failure symptoms vary from person to person, the following are some potential signs that your kidneys may not be functioning correctly:
- Severe fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cognitive difficulties like confusion or trouble concentrating
- Swelling, especially in the hands, ankles, or face (edema)
- Changes in urination frequency
- Muscle cramps or spasms
- Dry, itchy skin
- Loss of appetite or a metallic taste in the mouth
What are the most common causes of kidney failure?
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the primary culprits behind chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. Uncontrolled diabetes can result in persistently elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia), which can damage the kidneys and other organs. Similarly, high blood pressure, if left untreated, puts excessive force on blood vessel walls, potentially damaging kidney tissue over time. While kidney failure typically develops gradually, other factors can also contribute, as will be discussed next.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar damages kidney filtration units over time.
- High blood pressure: Strains blood vessels, affecting kidney function.
- Infections: Severe or recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) can lead to kidney damage.
- Medications: Long-term use of certain drugs like pain relievers may harm the kidneys.
- Dehydration: Chronic dehydration reduces blood flow to the kidneys, increasing the risk of chronic disease and kidney damage. Stay hydrated to support kidney health.
What are the risk factors for kidney failure?
While anyone can experience kidney failure, certain factors increase the risk. You may be at higher risk if you:
- Have diabetes
- Have high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Have heart disease
- Have a family history of kidney disease
- Have structural abnormalities in the kidneys
- Are Black
- Are over 60 years old
- Have a history of prolonged use of pain relievers, including over-the-counter NSAIDs
What are the complications of kidney failure?
Kidney failure can lead to several health complications due to the kidneys' diverse roles in the body. These complications can include high blood pressure, anemia, bone disease, fluid buildup around the lungs, nerve damage, and electrolyte imbalances. However, kidney failure is not an immediate death sentence. By adhering to a healthcare provider's treatment plan, which may involve medication, lifestyle adjustments, and dietary restrictions (such as limiting salt and specific foods), the condition can be managed. Without proper management and adherence to the treatment plan, kidney function will decline, ultimately leading to a fatal outcome.
Symptoms of kidney failure
Recognising the kidney failure symptoms early is crucial. Common signs include:
- Fatigue and weakness due to reduced red blood cell production.
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, and face from fluid retention.
- Decreased urine output or blood in the urine.
- Persistent nausea and vomiting.
- Shortness of breath and confusion caused by toxin build-up.
How is kidney failure diagnosed?
To assess kidney function and diagnose kidney failure, healthcare providers utilize several tests:
- Blood tests: These tests evaluate how effectively your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm and analyzed in a lab.
- Urine tests: These tests measure specific substances in your urine, such as protein or blood. You'll be asked to provide a urine sample, which is then sent to a lab for analysis.
- Imaging tests: These tests provide visual images of your kidneys and surrounding areas to detect any abnormalities or blockages. Common imaging techniques include kidney ultrasound, CT urogram, and MRI.
