Kidneys are a pair of organs, which are located toward lower back. One kidney is on each side of spine. They filter blood and remove toxins from the body. Kidneys send toxins to the bladder, which body later removes toxins during urination.
Kidney failure occurs when kidneys of a person lose the ability to sufficiently filter waste from the blood. Many factors can interfere with the kidney health and function, such as:
- toxic exposure to environmental pollutants or certain medications
- certain acute and chronic diseases
- severe dehydration
- kidney trauma
Body becomes overloaded with toxins if kidneys can’t do their regular job. This can lead to kidney failure, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Acute Kidney Injury
Acute kidney injury(AKI) is also called acute renal failure(ARF). kidney injury failure happens due to decreased kidney blood flow. it is also called Kidney ischemia. It is caused by low blood pressure, dehydration, it can cause by improper urine output(less than 400mls of urine per day).
What is end-stage renal disease?
Kidney failure is also called end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It is the last stage of chronic kidney disease. When kidneys fail, it means they have stopped working well enough for survival without dialysis or a kidney transplant.
What are the signs and symptoms of kidney failure?
Following are the signs of kidney failure:
1.Feeling of tiredness, have less energy or are having trouble concentrating
A severe decrease in kidney function can lead to a buildup of toxins and impurities in the blood. This can cause people to feel tired, weak and can make it hard to concentrate. Another complication of kidney disease is anemia, which can cause weakness and fatigue.
2. having trouble in sleeping When the kidneys are not filtering properly, toxins stay in the blood rather than leaving the body through the urine. This can make it difficult to sleep. There is also a link between obesity and chronic kidney disease, and sleep apnea is more common in those with chronic kidney disease, compared with the general population.
3. having dry and itchy skin
Healthy kidneys do many important jobs. They remove wastes and extra fluid from the body, help make red blood cells, help keep bones strong and work to maintain the right amount of minerals in the blood. Dry and itchy skin can be a sign of the mineral and bone disease that often accompanies advanced kidney disease, when the kidneys are no longer able to keep the right balance of minerals and nutrients in the blood.
4. feeling the need to urinate more often
If a person feel the need to urinate more often, especially at night, this can be a sign of kidney disease. When the kidneys filters are damaged, it can cause an increase in the urge to urinate. Sometimes this can also be a sign of a urinary infection or enlarged prostate in men.
5. noticing blood in the urine
Healthy kidneys typically keep the blood cells in the body when filtering wastes from the blood to create urine, but when the kidney’s filters have been damaged, these blood cells can start to “leak” out into the urine. In addition to signaling kidney disease, blood in the urine can be indicative of tumors, kidney stones or an infection.
6. having foamy urine
Excessive bubbles in the urine, especially those that require to flush several times before they go away, indicate protein in the urine. This foam may look like the foam you see when scrambling eggs, as the common protein found in urine, albumin, is the same protein that is found in eggs.
7. experiencing persistent puffiness around the eyes
Protein in the urine is an early sign that the kidneys’ filters have been damaged, allowing protein to leak into the urine. This puffiness around the eyes can be due to the fact that kidneys are leaking a large amount of protein in the urine, rather than keeping it in the body.
8. having swollen ankles and feet
Decreased kidney function can lead to sodium retention, causing swelling in feet and ankles. Swelling in the lower extremities can also be a sign of heart disease, liver disease and chronic leg vein problems.
9. having poor appetite
This is a very general symptom, but a buildup of toxins resulting from reduced kidney function can be one of the causes.
10. having muscles cramp
Electrolyte imbalances can result from impaired kidney function. For example, low calcium levels and poorly controlled phosphorus may contribute to muscle cramping.
Summary
Symptoms of early stage kidney disease may be difficult to pinpoint. They are often subtle and hard to identify. If a person experience early signs of kidney disease, they may include:
decreased urine output, fluid retention that leads to swelling in limbs shortness of breath.
Causes of kidney failure
Kidney failure can be the result of several conditions or causes. The cause typically also determines the type of kidney failure.
People who are most at risk usually have one or more of the following causes:
Loss of blood flow to the kidneys
A sudden loss of blood flow to the kidneys can prompt kidney failure. Some conditions that cause loss of blood flow to the kidneys include:
- a heart attack
- heart disease
- scarring of the liver or liver failure
- dehydration
- a severe burn
- an allergic reaction
- a severe infection, such as sepsis
High blood pressure and anti-inflammatory medications can also limit blood flow.
Urine elimination problems
When the body can not eliminate urine, toxins build up and overload the kidneys. Some cancers can block the urine passageways, such as:
- prostate (most common type in men)
- colon
- cervical
- bladder
Other conditions can interfere with urination and possibly lead to kidney failure, including:
- kidney stones
- an enlarged prostate
- blood clots within urinary tract
- damage to nerves that control bladder
Other causes of kidney failure
Some other things that may lead to kidney failure include:
- a blood clot in or around the kidneys
- infection
- an overload of toxins from heavy metals
- drugs and alcohol
- vasculitis, an inflammation of blood vessels
- lupus, an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation of many body organs
- glomerulonephritis, an inflammation of the small blood vessels of the kidneys
- hemolytic uremic syndrome, which involves the breakdown of red blood cells following a bacterial infection, usually of the intestines
- multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow
- scleroderma, an autoimmune condition that affects skin
- thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, a disorder that causes blood clots in small vessels
- chemotherapy drugs that treat cancer and some autoimmune diseases
- dyes used in some imaging tests
- certain antibiotics
- uncontrolled diabetes
Summary
In most cases, kidney failure is caused by other health problems that have done permanent damage to the kidneys little by little, over time. When kidneys are damaged, they may not work as well as they should. If the damage to kidneys continues to get worse and kidneys are less and less able to do their job, a person have chronic kidney disease. Kidney failure is the last (most severe) stage of chronic kidney disease. This is why kidney failure is also called end-stage renal disease, or ESRD for short.
What are the types of kidney failure?
There are five different types of kidney failure which include:
1. Acute prerenal kidney failure
Insufficient blood flow to the kidneys can cause acute prerenal kidney failure. The kidneys can not filter toxins from the blood without enough blood flow. This type of kidney failure can usually be cured once the doctor determines the cause of the decreased blood flow.
2. Acute intrinsic kidney failure
Acute intrinsic kidney failure can result from direct trauma to the kidneys, such as physical impact or an accident. Causes also include toxin overload and ischemia, which is a lack of oxygen to the kidneys.
The following may cause ischemia:
- severe bleeding
- shock
- renal blood vessel obstruction
- glomerulonephritis
3. Chronic prerenal kidney failure
When there is not enough blood flowing to the kidneys for an extended period of time, the kidneys begin to shrink and lose the ability to function.
4. Chronic intrinsic kidney failure
This happens when there’s long-term damage to the kidneys due to intrinsic kidney disease. Intrinsic kidney disease develops from a direct trauma to the kidneys, such as severe bleeding or a lack of oxygen.
5. Chronic post-renal kidney failure
A long-term blockage of the urinary tract prevents urination. This causes pressure and eventual kidney damage.
Summary
Acute kidney failure has an abrupt onset and is potentially reversible and Chronic kidney failure progresses slowly over at least three months and can lead to permanent kidney failure.
Stages of Kidney Failure
Kidney failure is classified into five stages. These range from very mild (stage 1) to complete kidney failure (stage 5). Symptoms and complications increase as the stages progress.
Stage 1
This stage is very mild. A person may experience no symptoms and have no visible complications. Some damage is present.
It is still possible to manage and slow progression by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, regularly exercising, and not using tobacco products. Maintaining a healthy weight is important, too.
If a person has diabetes, it is important to manage blood sugar.
Stage 2
Stage 2 kidney disease is still considered a mild form, but detectable issues like protein in urine or physical damage to the kidneys may be more obvious.
The same lifestyle approaches that helped in stage 1 are still used in stage 2. Also talk with the doctor about other risk factors that could make the disease progress more rapidly. These include heart disease, inflammation, and blood disorders.
Stage 3
At this stage kidney disease is considered moderate. In this stage kidneys are not working as well as they should.
Stage 3 kidney disease is sometimes divided into 3A and 3B. A blood test that measures the amount of waste products in the body differentiates between the two.
Symptoms may become more apparent at this stage. Swelling in hands and feet, back pain, and changes to urination frequently are likely.
Lifestyle approaches may help. Doctor may also consider medications to treat underlying conditions that could speed up failure.
Stage 4
Stage 4 kidney disease is considered moderate to severe. The kidneys are not working well, but you are not in complete kidney failure yet. Symptoms can include complications like anemia, high blood pressure, and bone disease.
A healthy lifestyle is still vital. Doctor will likely have on treatments designed to slow damage.
Stage 5
In stage 5, kidneys are nearing or are in complete failure. Symptoms of the loss of kidney function will be evident. These include vomiting and nausea, trouble breathing, itchy skin, and more.
At this stage you’ll need regular dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Summary
When someone is diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, the first step is to determine the stage of the disease. The National Kidney Foundation has classified five stages to help doctors better treat their patients based on how much kidney function the patient has left. Measuring a person’s glomerular filtration rate (GFR) indicates how much blood is being filtered through the kidneys and will guide the course of treatment.
Kidney failure treatment
There are several treatments for kidney failure. The type of treatment a person need will depend on the reason for kidney failure.
- Dialysis
Dialysis filters and purifies the blood using a machine. The machine performs the function of the kidneys. Depending on the type of dialysis, you may be connected to a large machine or a portable catheter bag.
People may need to follow a low-potassium, low-salt diet along with dialysis.
Dialysis does not cure kidney failure, but it can extend the life if go to regularly scheduled treatments.
What are the types of dialysis?
There are two types of dialysis, which are following:
1. Hemodialysis
2. peritoneal dialysis
How hemodialysis works?
During hemodialysis, blood passes from the patient’s body to the dialysis machine through sterile tubing and into a filter, called a dialysis membrane. For this procedure, the patient has a specialized vascular tube placed between an artery and a vein in the arm or leg. Sometimes, a direct connection is made between an artery and a vein in the arm. This procedure is called a Cimino fistula. Needles are then placed in the graft or fistula, and blood passes to the dialysis machine, through the filter, and back to the patient. If the patient requires dialysis before a graft or a fistula is placed, a large diameter catheter (hemodialysis catheter) is placed directly into a large vein in the neck or leg in order to perform dialysis. In the dialysis machine, a solution on the other side of the filter receives the waste products from the patient.
Summary
Hemodialysis uses an external machine and a special type of filter to remove excess waste products and water from the blood.
How peritoneal dialysis works?
Peritoneal dialysis uses a fluid that is placed into the patient’s abdominal cavity through a plastic tube (peritoneal dialysis catheter) to remove excess waste products and fluid from the body.
Peritoneal dialysis uses the patients own body tissues inside of the belly (abdominal cavity) to act as the filter. The abdominal cavity is lined with a special membrane called the peritoneal membrane. A plastic tube called a peritoneal dialysis catheter is placed through the abdominal wall into the abdominal cavity. A special fluid called dialysate is then flushed into the abdominal cavity and washes around the intestines. The peritoneal membrane acts as a filter between this fluid and the blood stream.
Summary
By using different types of solutions, waste products and excess water can be removed from the body through this peritoneal dialysis.
- Kidney transplant
Another treatment option is a kidney transplant. A transplanted kidney can work normally, and dialysis is no longer needed.
There’s usually a long wait to receive a donor kidney that’s compatible with your body. If you have a living donor the process may go more quickly.
You must take immunosuppressive drugs after the surgery to prevent your body from rejecting the new kidney. These drugs have their own side effects, some of which are serious.
Talk with your doctor about whether you are a good candidate for a kidney transplant.
Summary
Transplant surgery might not be the right treatment option for everyone. It’s also possible for the surgery to be unsuccessful.
Types of Kidney Transplantation
- Deceased Donor Kidney Transplant
A deceased-donor kidney transplant is when a kidney from someone who has recently died is removed with consent of the family or from a donor card and placed in a recipient whose kidneys have failed and no longer function properly and is in need of kidney transplantation.
The donated kidney is either stored on ice or connected to a machine that provides oxygen and nutrients until the kidney is transplanted into the recipient. The donor and recipient are often in the same geographic region as the transplant center to minimize the time the kidney is outside a human body.
Summary
Only one donated kidney is needed to sustain the body’s needs. For this reason, a living person can donate a kidney, and living-donor kidney transplant is an alternative to deceased-donor kidney transplant.
- Living-donor kidney transplant
A living-donor kidney transplant is when a kidney from a living donor is removed and placed into a recipient whose kidneys no longer function properly.
About one-third of all kidney transplants performed in the U.S. are living-donor kidney transplants. The other two-thirds involve a kidney from a deceased donor.
Summary
Only one donated kidney is needed to replace two failed kidneys, which makes living-donor kidney transplant an alternative to deceased-donor kidney transplant.
- Preemptive kidney transplant
A preemptive kidney transplant is when a person receives a kidney transplant before kidney function deteriorates to the point of needing dialysis to replace the normal filtering function of the kidneys.
Currently, most kidney transplants are performed on people who are on dialysis because their kidneys are no longer able to adequately clean impurities from the blood.
Summary
People who get a preemptive or early transplant receive their kidney when their health is generally good, which allows you to stay healthier and live longer.
Risks for Kidney Transplantation
Kidney transplantation can treat advanced kidney disease and kidney failure, but it is not a cure. Some forms of kidney disease may return after transplant.
The health risks associated with kidney transplant include those associated directly with the surgery itself, rejection of the donor ■■■■■ and side effects of taking medications (anti-rejection or immunosuppressants) needed to prevent the body from rejecting the donated kidney.
Deciding whether kidney transplant is right is a personal decision that deserves careful thought and consideration of the serious risks and benefits. Talk through your decision with friends, family and other trusted advisors.
Complications of the procedure
Kidney transplant surgery carries a risk of significant complications, including:
- Blood clots and bleeding
- Leaking from or blockage of the tube (ureter) that links the kidney to the bladder
- Infection
- Failure or rejection of the donated kidney
- An infection or cancer that can be transmitted with the donated kidney
- Death, heart attack and stroke
Side Effects of Anti-rejection Medication
After a kidney transplant, you will take medications to help prevent your body from rejecting the donor kidney. These medications can cause a variety of side effects, including:
- Bone thinning (osteoporosis) and bone damage (osteonecrosis)
- Diabetes
- Excessive hair growth or hair loss
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
Other side effects may include:
- Increased risk of cancer, particularly skin cancer and lymphoma
- Infection
- Puffiness (edema)
- Weight gain
- Acne
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happens when you have kidney failure?
You will feel tired and weak because your body needs clean blood to function properly. Untreated uremia may lead to seizures or coma and will ultimately result in death. If your kidneys stop working completely, you will need to undergo dialysis or kidney transplant.
- What are the main causes of kidney failure?
The two leading causes of kidney failure, also called end stage kidney disease or ESRD, are diabetes (also called Type 2, or adult onset diabetes) and high blood pressure. When these two diseases are controlled by treatment, the associated kidney disease can often be prevented or slowed down.
- How long can you live with kidney failure?
In the case of acute renal failure the renal function declines rapidly within hours or days giving rise to serious metabolic disturbance. If that state continues to the point that the person is no longer producing urine, which is known as oliguria, it is unlikely that the person could survive longer than 2 to 3 weeks.
Conclusion
Healthy kidneys do many important jobs. They keep our whole body in balance. They remove waste products and extra water from our body, help make red blood cells, and help control blood pressure. When we have kidney failure, it means our kidneys are damaged. They cannot do these important jobs well enough.
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