What Is Kidney Failure?
Chronic Kidney disease is a progressive disease. When kidneys function below 10 to 15 percent of their normal capacity, this essentially is known as kidney failure. It is also known as End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
Kidney failure is treated by dialysis or transplant.
Living with Renal Failure
Regular dialysis treatment, following your renal diet and taking prescribed medications can go a long way in managing ESRD.
What causes acute renal failure?
Renal failure symptoms can be difficult to detect. Acute renal failure may occur for a variety of reasons:
- Kidney Injury
- Over-exposure to metals and certain antibiotics and medication
- Kidney infection
- Obstructions in the urinary tract or renal artery
- Tumors, kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can block the flow of urine in the urinary tract
What are the symptoms of acute kidney failure?
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- Decrease of urine output resulting in swelling in the legs, feet and ankles
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Difficulty paying attention
- Numbness or decreased sensation in the hands and feet
- Decreased appetite
- Abnormal lab values including elevated potassium
- Abnormalities in hormones related to bone health
- Elevated phosphorus and/or decreased calcium
- High blood pressure
- Swelling in hands/legs/eyes/lower back
- Shortness of breath
How is kidney failure treated ?
When kidney function falls below 10% of normal, dialysis or a kidney transplant is most often needed, especially if you have signs of uremia (a buildup of waste in the blood), like nausea and itching.