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Kidney Failure: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention
Team AckoDec 12, 2024
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People suffering from Kidney Failure need regular treatment and medication. If you or your loved ones are affected by this disease, it is extremely necessary to be aware of the causes and symptoms of Kidney Failure. This article features essential points to be mindful of regarding kidney-related ailments
Contents
- What is Kidney Failure?
- What are the types of Kidney (Renal) Failure?
- What are the First Warning Signs of Kidney Failure?
- What Medications are Used to Treat Kidney Failure?
- Signs and symptoms of Kidney Failure
- What causes Kidney Failure?
- How do doctors diagnose Kidney Failure
- Stages of kidney diseases
- Treatment procedures for Kidney Failure
- Prevention of Kidney Failure
- Kidney Failure Risk Factors
- Kidney Transplants: Myths Vs. Facts
- Myth 1: Only Family Members Can Donate Kidneys
- Myth 2: You Must Be on Dialysis to Qualify for a Transplant
- Myth 3: Organ Donation is Against My Religion
- Myth 4: Donating a Kidney Shortens Your Life
- Myth 5: Age or Health Disqualifies You from Donating
- Myth 6: Surgery Risks for Kidney Transplants are Unreasonably High
- Myth 7: Hospitals Won't Work Hard to Save Organ Donors
- Myth 8: Kidney Transplants are a Permanent Solution
- Kidney Failure and Mental Health: Coping with a Chronic Condition
- Coping Strategies for Mental Well-being
- Conclusion
- Frequently asked questions
What Role Does the Kidney Play in Your Body?
Through their various vital tasks, the kidneys help preserve the general state of the body. Their main duties include:
1. Filtration and Waste Elimination
The kidneys filter blood to remove toxins and waste products, which are expelled from the body through urine. This process ensures the elimination of harmful substances and maintains a clean internal environment.
2. Electrolyte Balance Maintenance
Kidneys regulate electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and phosphate, which are crucial for neuron, muscle, and cellular function. This mechanism preserves the body's internal balance and supports essential physiological processes.
3. Fluid Regulation and Hydration Control
By adjusting urine output in response to hydration levels, the kidneys maintain proper fluid balance. This prevents dehydration or fluid overload, ensuring systemic equilibrium.
4. Blood Pressure Regulation
Through the secretion of renin, kidneys manage blood vessel constriction and control salt and water retention, thereby helping to regulate blood pressure and support cardiovascular health.
5. Red Blood Cell Production
Kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells. This ensures efficient oxygen delivery to tissues throughout the body.
6. Vitamin D Activation for Bone Health
Kidneys convert vitamin D into its active form, calcitriol, which helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels. This process is vital for bone strength and growth.
7. Acid-Base Balance
By excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate, kidneys help regulate blood pH, keeping it within a normal range. This maintains the body's acid-base balance.
8. Overall Role in Homeostasis
The kidneys contribute to systemic homeostasis by supporting waste elimination, cardiovascular health, bone integrity, and acid-base balance. Their proper functioning is crucial for overall well-being, and any compromise in their function can lead to significant health issues.
What is Kidney Failure?
Kidney Failure is a condition where kidney function is reduced by 85-90%. The kidneys cannot operate well enough to keep the person alive for a long time. There is no cure for Kidney/renal failure, although it is possible to live a long life with care. People with Renal Failure can live active lives and continue to do the activities they enjoy.
What are the types of Kidney (Renal) Failure?
Diseases that reduce your kidney's ability to purify your blood can damage kidneys or hurt other sections of the body. These illnesses can lead to chronic renal disease or kidney failure. The following are two significant types of Kidney Failure.
Chronic Kidney Disease: This occurs when long-term damage to the kidneys causes them to lose their ability to filter waste and fluid from the blood. Waste can accumulate in the body and impair health. This damage—and kidney function—can worsen over time, and when the kidneys cease working altogether, it is known as kidney failure. It is also known as end-stage renal disease.
Acute Kidney Failure : Acute Renal Failure occurs when your kidneys suddenly lose their ability to clear excess salts, water, and waste materials from your blood. This excretion is at the heart of your kidneys' primary function. When the kidneys' filtering ability fails, body fluids can reach dangerously high levels. The illness will also cause electrolytes and waste material to collect in your body, which can be fatal.
What are the First Warning Signs of Kidney Failure?
Early warning signals of renal failure can be subtle and frequently coincide with other diseases, which makes them easy to ignore. Common symptoms are:
Weakness and tiredness brought on by toxins accumulating in the blood as the kidneys lose their filtration capacity.
Another clue is swelling of the hands, feet, or face brought on by fluid retention.
Other complaints include nausea, vomiting, difficulty focusing, and appetite loss.
Changes in urination patterns—such as more frequency, less output, or frothy urine—may also point to diminishing kidney performance.
What Medications are Used to Treat Kidney Failure?
Medications for kidney failure concentrate on controlling underlying diseases and symptoms to slow down the course of the disease. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are often given to lower blood pressure and preserve kidney function. Diuretics control oedema and fluid retention. Erythropoiesis-stimulating drugs and iron supplements might be utilised for anaemia brought on by renal failure. In severe stages, a kidney transplant or dialysis could become required.
Signs and symptoms of Kidney Failure
Early-stage Renal Failure may not manifest any symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 90% of people suffering from chronic renal disease are not aware of their condition. However, one may see the following signs if this condition progresses.
A decreased volume of urine
Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet
Drowsiness
Fatigue
Shortness of breath, sleepiness, or weariness
Nausea
Confusion
Seizures
Pain or pressure in the chest
What causes Kidney Failure?
The following can cause Kidney Failure.
1) Issues with blood flow: Kidneys rely on proper blood flow to perform their vital function of filtering waste from the body. Reduced or blocked blood flow can cause kidney damage by depriving them of the necessary oxygen and nutrients. Several conditions can impair kidney blood flow, potentially leading to acute renal damage. These include
Loss of blood or fluid
High blood pressure
Infection
Liver failure
Medications
Serious burns
2) Damage to the kidneys: Various conditions can directly damage the kidneys, often leading to acute renal failure. These conditions may disrupt kidney tissues, blood vessels, or the immune system, leading to diminished kidney function. The following conditions are known to cause kidney damage:
Blood clots
Cholesterol deposits
Inflammation
Hemolytic uremic syndrome
Infection
Immune system disorders
Medications
Scleroderma
Blood disorders
Toxins
Muscle tissue breakdown
Breakdown of tumor cells
3) Blockages: Urinary blockages can cause significant harm to the kidneys, especially if the obstruction is severe or prolonged. These blockages prevent proper waste removal, leading to kidney damage. Some common conditions that cause blockages include:
Nerve damage
Blood clots in the urinary tract
Enlarged prostate
Cervical cancer
Prostate cancer
How do doctors diagnose Kidney Failure
Doctors use a variety of tests to monitor kidney function and identify renal failure. Here’s a list.
Blood tests can reveal how well the kidneys remove waste from the blood.
Kidney obstructions can be detected using advanced imaging.
Urine tests are used to determine the volume of urine or the presence of specific compounds in urine, such as protein or blood.
Stages of kidney diseases
GFR, an abbreviation for ‘Glomerular Filtration Rate,’ measures the severity of kidney disease. A GFR of 60 or greater is normal. If it is less than 60, it may indicate Renal Disease. A GFR of 15 or less may indicate Renal Failure. Here are the different stages of kidney disease:
Early stage
| Stage | GFR |
| 1 | Normal or high GFR (GFR > 90 mL/min) |
| 2 | Mild CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) (GFR = 60-89 mL/min) |
| 3A | Moderate CKD (GFR = 45-59 mL/min) |
| 3B | Moderate CKD (GFR = 30-44 mL/min) |
Late stage
| Stage | GFR |
| 4 | Severe CKD (GFR = 15-29 mL/min) |
| 5 | End Stage CKD (GFR <15 mL/min) |
Treatment procedures for Kidney Failure
Here is a list of possible treatment methods for Kidney Failure.
Dialysis: A machine is used during dialysis to purify your blood. You can undergo dialysis at home or at a facility. Dialysis cannot replace the parts of healthy kidneys. This implies that even when you receive dialysis, you may still have some health issues related to Renal Failure.
Kidney transplantation: During a kidney transplant, you are given a healthy kidney from someone else's body via surgery. A living or deceased donor's kidneys may be used in a transplant. Note that a kidney transplant is a treatment, not a cure, for Renal Failure.
Medication: If you opt not to have dialysis or a transplant, medical treatment can allow you to live comfortably and participate in some activities. Medical therapy uses medication and kidney-friendly food to alleviate symptoms and make you feel better.
Clinical studies: A clinical trial is a research study designed to determine how effectively a drug works and whether it is safe. It relies on volunteers and researchers to ensure their safety by following a research strategy that experts have evaluated. Clinical trials for renal illness look at the factors mentioned below.
New kidney disease therapies or techniques to alleviate symptoms
Methods for improving current treatments
New methods for detecting kidney disease symptoms
Prevention of Kidney Failure
Following are ways in which you can avoid a risk of Kidney Failure.
By eating a balanced diet
A healthy, balanced diet helps lower your risk of kidney disease by maintaining appropriate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Eat fruits and vegetables daily, along with meals that include starchy foods like rice, potatoes or pasta. Include a few dairy products or substitutes.
Your diet must have a protein source, including pulses, fish, meat, eggs, beans, etc. Consider reducing the daily intake of saturated fats, sugar, and salt. Additionally, Dietitians may make dietary recommendations for kidney disease, such as lowering your potassium or phosphate intake.
By using painkillers with caution
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can lead to kidney damage if taken excessively or for longer than advised. Make sure to adhere to the medication's directions if you take such painkillers.
By exercising regularly
Every week, it is advised to engage in at least a few hours of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as cycling or fast walking, and two or more days of strength training that targets all muscle groups.
By limiting your alcohol intake
Your blood pressure and cholesterol levels may increase to harmful levels if you consume too much alcohol. The most excellent method to lower your risk is to stick to the advised alcohol limit. People are encouraged to spread their consumption over three days or longer when drinking more than 14 units per week.
Kidney Failure Risk Factors
Risk factors like an individual's genetic and phenotypic makeup make them susceptible to kidney illness. Race, gender, age, and family history are all significant factors.
For example, Some risk factors for chronic kidney disease include having a low birth weight, a family history of renal disease, being of African American descent, etc..
Additionally, kidney disease can be brought on by smoking, being overweight, or having high blood pressure. A patient with uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, or both can quickly advance to end-stage renal disease. Risks include exposure to heavy metals, drinking too much alcohol, smoking, and taking analgesics.
Additional risk factors include hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, HIV infection, hepatitis C virus, metabolic syndrome, acute renal injury, and malignancy.
Kidney Transplants: Myths Vs. Facts
Kidney transplants are life-saving procedures, yet myths often cloud understanding of the process. Here are some common misconceptions and the truths behind them:
Myth 1: Only Family Members Can Donate Kidneys
Fact: While family members often make suitable donors due to genetic compatibility, anyone can donate a kidney, including friends, co-workers, or even strangers. Living donors need not be related to the recipient. Some choose to donate altruistically without knowing the recipient, a process known as non-directed donation.
Myth 2: You Must Be on Dialysis to Qualify for a Transplant
Fact: Patients can receive a kidney transplant before starting dialysis. Known as pre-emptive transplants, these are often more effective, as a healthy transplanted kidney performs functions more efficiently than dialysis
Myth 3: Organ Donation is Against My Religion
Fact: Most major religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism, support organ donation as a selfless act of helping others. However, individuals with specific concerns should consult their spiritual leaders.
Myth 4: Donating a Kidney Shortens Your Life
Fact: Living with one kidney is safe for healthy donors. Studies have shown that living kidney donors often live just as long as individuals with two kidneys, provided they maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Myth 5: Age or Health Disqualifies You from Donating
Fact: There is no fixed age limit for organ donation. Eligibility depends on overall health and the condition of the organ, not the donor's age.
Myth 6: Surgery Risks for Kidney Transplants are Unreasonably High
Fact: While all surgeries carry risks, medical technology and aftercare advances have significantly improved outcomes. Donors are thoroughly evaluated to minimise risks, and recipients receive extensive monitoring post-surgery to reduce complications.
Myth 7: Hospitals Won't Work Hard to Save Organ Donors
Fact: Emergency medical teams are dedicated to saving lives, regardless of donor status. Organ donation is only considered after death is declared under strict medical guidelines.
Myth 8: Kidney Transplants are a Permanent Solution
Fact: While transplants provide better quality of life than dialysis, they may not last forever. On average, a living donor kidney lasts 15-20 years, while a deceased donor kidney lasts 10-15 years. Recipients may require a second transplant later in life.
Understanding these facts helps demystify kidney transplants and encourages informed decision-making about donation and treatment options. With the demand for kidney transplants exceeding supply, educating oneself and considering organ donation can save lives.
Kidney Failure and Mental Health: Coping with a Chronic Condition
Not only does kidney failure—commonly referred to as end-stage renal disease—ESRD—affect a person's bodily condition, but it also presents major psychological and emotional difficulties. Whether via dialysis or waiting for a transplant, the path of living with kidney failure can be emotionally draining, anxious, and taxing. Improving the quality of life for people with this chronic illness depends on an awareness of the psychological effects and the development of coping mechanisms.
Emotional Challenges
The emotional toll of kidney failure is profound. Many patients experience a range of psychological effects, including depression, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness. The constant medical treatments, frequent doctor visits, and physical limitations associated with the condition can feel overwhelming, leading to feelings of isolation and stress.
Studies show that individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at a higher risk of depression compared to the general population. The relationship between kidney failure and depression is complex; while the condition itself contributes to depression, psychological distress can also worsen kidney disease outcomes. For instance, depression has been linked to poor adherence to medical treatments, which may exacerbate kidney function decline. According to the National Kidney Foundation, depression affects up to 1 in 3 patients undergoing dialysis.
Anxiety and Uncertainty
Anxiety is another common challenge faced by those with kidney failure. The fear of dialysis, the uncertainty surrounding kidney transplants, and concerns about future health can heighten stress levels. Patients may worry about the potential risks of surgery, the possibility of organ rejection, or the long-term survival of a transplanted kidney. This sense of uncertainty about the future, coupled with the physical toll of the disease, can lead to chronic anxiety and feelings of vulnerability.
In addition, the lifestyle changes that come with kidney failure—such as adjusting to dietary restrictions, managing fluid intake, and coping with fatigue—can disrupt daily routines and lead to social withdrawal. This isolation, compounded by physical symptoms like swelling and fatigue, can further exacerbate mental health challenges.
Coping Strategies for Mental Well-being
While the emotional challenges of kidney failure are real, there are several strategies that individuals can use to improve their mental health and overall well-being:
1. Seeking Professional Support: One of the most effective ways to cope with the mental health challenges of kidney failure is by seeking support from mental health professionals. Psychologists and counsellors can help patients manage feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress through therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Counselling can also provide individuals with coping tools and a safe space to discuss their concerns.
2. Building a Support Network: A strong social support system is essential for mental health. Connecting with family, friends, and support groups can help alleviate feelings of loneliness. Peer support groups, either in person or online, allow individuals to share their experiences, learn from others, and feel less isolated. Many kidney patient organisations, such as the National Kidney Foundation, provide online communities where patients can connect.
3. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Practices like meditation, mindfulness, and deep breathing exercises can help individuals manage anxiety and stress. Studies have shown that mindfulness meditation can reduce the perception of pain and improve emotional well-being in individuals with chronic conditions. Regular relaxation techniques, such as yoga or guided imagery, can help patients manage stress and improve their mood.
4. Exercise and Physical Activity: Engaging in light physical activity, as advised by healthcare providers, can improve both physical and mental health. Exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by releasing endorphins, the body's natural mood elevators. It also helps combat fatigue, a common symptom of kidney failure and can promote better sleep.
5. Fostering a Positive Mindset: Maintaining a positive outlook can make a significant difference in managing kidney failure. This can involve focusing on things patients can control, such as adhering to treatment schedules, making healthy lifestyle choices, and staying connected with loved ones. Writing in a journal or practicing gratitude can also be beneficial in fostering a sense of hope and improving mental well-being.
Conclusion
Kidney failure is a serious condition that requires early detection and proper care to manage effectively. By recognising symptoms like fatigue, swelling, and changes in urination, individuals can seek medical attention promptly. Common causes such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and infections highlight the need for regular health check-ups and a healthy lifestyle. Treatments, including dialysis, medication, or transplants, aim to manage the condition and improve the quality of life. Prevention focuses on staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and controlling risk factors. With timely care and lifestyle changes, the risk of kidney failure can be significantly reduced.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions and their answers about Kidney Failure.
Can people suffer from chronic kidney disease and still not notice any signs?
People can suffer from chronic kidney disease and still not notice any signs as kidney disease can proceed slowly and steadily over many years, if not decades.
Who is a nephrologist?
A nephrologist is a doctor who focuses on kidney-related ailments.
Is it okay to drink more fluid if I have a kidney disorder?
People with this disorder must be extremely cautious about their fluid consumption. Patients who do not monitor their fluid consumption may gain weight and develop edema (swelling) due to water retention. This additional fluid can raise blood pressure, make breathing difficult, and/or create cardiac problems.
How can dehydration contribute to kidney damage?
Because the kidneys receive less blood while you're dehydrated, you run the risk of kidney damage. The kidneys' capacity to filter waste efficiently can be compromised when the body does not have enough water. People with preexisting renal diseases or other medical disorders are more likely to sustain kidney harm from prolonged dehydration. Maintaining an adequate fluid balance allows the kidneys to carry out their critical duties.
What role do medications play in kidney health?
When taken for an extended length of time or in large quantities, some drugs can harm the kidneys. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), some antibiotics, and medications used to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, and other conditions are common pharmaceuticals associated with kidney impairment. Regular monitoring of kidney function is essential for individuals taking medicine for an extended period. Changing your prescription schedule without first talking to your doctor is a bad idea.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet. As this content piece is not vetted by a medical professional, please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions.
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