Renal failure (kidney failure) is a serious medical condition that occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to remove waste and excess fluid from the blood.
Did you know that renal failure is a serious medical condition that can lead to death? If your kidneys stop working, waste and toxins can build up in your blood. This can cause several health problems, including heart problems, seizures, and coma. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of renal failure, the symptoms to look for, and treatment options.
What is renal failure?
Renal failure, also called kidney failure, occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to remove waste and excess fluid from the blood. The substances are normally removed through the urine. When the kidneys fail, waste and fluids can build up in the body, causing serious health problems. This can happen suddenly (acute renal failure) or over time (chronic renal failure).
Although kidney failure is a serious illness, there are treatments available that can help those with limited kidney function to live fuller lives. In some cases, a kidney transplant may be the best option.
Causes of renal failure
While diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of kidney failure, sometimes it can also be caused quickly by an unforeseen event. There are many different causes of renal failure. Some common causes include:
- Blockage of the urinary tract
- Glomerulonephritis (a disease of the kidney’s filtering units)
- Diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage caused by diabetes)
- Polycystic kidney disease (a genetic disorder that causes cysts to form in the kidneys)
- Kidney stones: Kidney stones are a common cause of renal failure. They are hardened deposits of minerals and acid salts that form inside the kidney. When they become large enough, they can block the flow of urine and cause kidney damage.
- Infection: Kidney infection is a serious complication of a urinary tract infection. If the infection is not treated quickly, it can spread to the kidneys and cause kidney damage.
- Cancer: Kidney cancer is a rare type of cancer that can cause renal failure.
Types of renal failure
There are two main types of renal failure:
- Acute kidney injury, which is the sudden loss of kidney function. AKI can be caused by factors such as infection, low blood pressure, or a blockage in the urinary tract.
- Chronic kidney disease, is the gradual loss of kidney function over time. CKD can be caused by factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
Symptoms of renal failure
The symptoms of renal failure can vary depending on the type of renal failure.
Acute kidney injury may cause sudden symptoms such as decreased urine output, swelling in the ankles and legs, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
Chronic kidney disease may cause more subtle symptoms such as decreased appetite, confusion, weight loss, and itching. If the renal failure is severe, it can cause symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and coma.
Diagnosis of renal failure
Renal failure is diagnosed through a variety of tests, including urine tests, blood tests, imaging tests, and biopsy. Urine tests can show if the kidneys are filtering waste properly. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or CT scan, can show if the kidneys are enlarged or if there are any blockages in the urinary tract.
A biopsy is a procedure where a small sample of kidney tissue is removed and examined under a microscope and can be used to diagnose kidney disease.
Treatment of renal failure
The treatment for renal failure depends on the type of renal failure.
Acute kidney injury is treated by addressing the underlying cause of kidney damage. This may involve giving fluids intravenously, taking medications to lower blood pressure, or having surgery to remove a blockage in the urinary tract.
Chronic kidney disease is treated by managing the underlying cause of kidney damage. This may involve taking medications to control blood pressure or diabetes, making dietary changes, and getting regular exercise. In some cases, a kidney transplant may be necessary.
Complications of renal failure
Renal failure can lead to several complications, such as anemia, bone disease, heart disease, and nerve damage.
- Anemia is a condition where there are not enough red blood cells in the body.
- Bone disease can occur when the kidneys are not able to remove excess phosphorus from the blood, which can lead to weak and brittle bones.
- Heart disease is a common complication of renal failure.
- Nerve damage can occur when the kidneys are not able to remove excess toxins from the blood. This can lead to numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.
Prevention of renal failure
The best way to prevent renal failure is to manage the underlying causes of kidney damage, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. It is important to get regular checkups with your doctor.
It is also important to stay hydrated and avoid substances that can damage the kidneys, such as alcohol and certain medications. If you have any concerns about your kidney health, be sure to speak with your doctor.
This is a serious condition that can lead to many complications, so it is important to be aware of the different causes and symptoms of renal failure. If you think you may be at risk, be sure to speak with your doctor.
Thank you for reading. We hope this information was helpful.
