Symptoms of Kidney Failure: A Serious Kidney Problem
Kidney failure is an extremely serious kidney problem. Unless there is timely and effective treatment, it can be fatal. If your kidneys fail, there are basically only two options for survival: kidney transplantation, or kidney dialysis treatments several times a week for the rest of your life.
Symptoms of kidney failure don’t usually appear – or are very hard to detect – until the disease has progressed to the point where danger is imminent.
A change in your body chemistry may be the first symptom that kidney failure is in progress as your electrolyte readings become abnormal. The kidneys also begin eliminating excess fluids and filtering out toxins less efficiently. These are two of the kidneys’ major bodily functions.
Another important function of the kidneys is to aid in the production of red blood cells. As impairment increases, fewer red blood cells are produced.
Even if your kidneys are 80 percent impaired, they can still function and keep you alive. But the longer you wait, the more likely you are to experience these symptoms of kidney failure:
* general fatigue,
* general lack of strength,
* shortness of breath,
* swelling in different areas.
When kidney failure symptoms aren’t identified and treated, there can be serious health consequences. These include:
A lack of red blood cells – Red blood cells bring oxygen to tissues and organs. Without it, they can’t function efficiently, contributing to fatigue and weakness.
Inadequate potassium excretion – When potassium levels in the body get too high, they can cause fatal heart rhythm problems.
Metabolic acidosis – Your body doesn’t manufacture enough bicarbonate, causing higher levels of acidity in your system. This can alter enzyme and oxygen metabolism, leading to kidney failure.
Uremia – Urea is a waste produced that results from the digestion of protein. Our kidneys filter it from our blood and it is passed out of the body in urine. Rising urea levels in the blood can affect muscle, brain and heart function. Clearer symptoms of kidney failure begin to present themselves, including
* decreased appetite
* constant, sometimes profound fatigue,
* decreased cognitive functioning and an inability to think clearly.
At this point, coma may occur.
When kidney failure reaches the critical stage, organs don’t work as well and metabolic systems begin to collapse. Blood pressure rises because of excess fluids circulating in the body, and congestive heart failure becomes a serious threat. Breathing increases rapidly.
Medical intervention is critical at this point if the patient is to survive.
If you want additional information on topics related to this article, click on Recognizing Symptoms of Kidney Failure. George McKenzie is a retired TV anchor, medical reporter and radio talk show host. He has a special interest in kidney-related issues, and is a frequent contributor to Kidney Health and You, a resource website about kidney health and wellness.
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