Kidney Failure: Causes, Signs, and Symptoms
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The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that clean the blood, filtering out waste, toxins, and excess fluid; in addition to, excreting hormones that aid in red blood cell production. The kidneys are part of the circulatory system and excretory system. They play a vital role in the regulation of blood pressure, vitamin d production, and balancing the chemicals of the body.
There are multiple causes of kidney (renal) failure, including but not limited to:
- Dehydration
- Medications ( including anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Bladder obstruction
- Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure
- Uncontrolled Diabetes
- Chronic Glomerulonephritis
Many patients are asymptomatic initially, but as the kidneys begin to function less, the following signs and symptoms may be present:
- Shortness of Breath
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- General Swelling
- Fatigue
- Appetite loss
- Bloody Stool
- Urinary Cessation
Once kidney functions decrease, red blood cell production is lessened, as they are no longer capable of keeping electrolytes balanced. Toxins begin to build up in the body, potassium cannot be excreted (increasing the the potential for arrhythmia and tachycardia), and other vital organs may be affected (i.e. brain, heart, lungs).
The two most common causes of kidney failure are diabetes and high blood pressure. Since diabetes prevents the body from properly using glucose, when it stays in the blood it acts like a poison. With high blood pressure, the small blood vessels in the kidneys can become damaged and cannot properly filter waste from the blood, resulting in excess waste build-up.
Treatment
If the underlying cause for kidney failure is disease or infection, antibiotics may be administered to assist in restoring the kidney functions. Hemodialysis may be needed if potassium levels are highly elevated or if there is no urine production. Treatment can sometimes reverse kidney failure, within days or weeks. Statistics indicate that more than half of patients who suffer from acute kidney failure recover. However, if the kidneys do not respond to treatment, the patient may need to have dialysis regularly or have a kidney transplant. .
