How to Recognize Symptoms of Kidney Failure
Article by George McKenzie
Kidney failure is an extremely serious and dangerous kidney problem. Without treatment, it may be fatal. If your kidneys fail, there are basically only two options for survival: a kidney transplant, 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 – before 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. Two of the kidneys’ most important functions begin to degrade: filtering toxins and eliminating excess water.
As the kidneys lose their efficiency, they also produce fewer red blood cells. Aiding in red blood cell production is one of the other important kidney functions.
As kidney failure progresses, the patient may start to experience these symptoms:
*general tiredness,
*a general feeling of weakness,
*shortness of breath (known as dyspnea to doctors),
*swelling in different areas.
Why Identifying Kidney Failure Symptoms Early Is Important
Failure to recognize the above symptoms can have serious consequences, including:
Not enough red blood cells – Red blood cells bring oxygen to tissues and organs. Without it, they can’t function efficiently, contributing to fatigue and weakness.
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.
Failure to excrete potassium properly – When the kidneys do not filter out and dispose of potassium, there can be potentially fatal problems involving heart rhythm.
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
*low energy, even high levels of fatigue,
*decreased mental function and ability to think clearly.
By this point, there may be so little kidney function left that the patient may go into a coma.
At this stage of kidney failure, your body has to fight off numerous challenges. Excess fluid builds up and causes increased blood pressure. The risk of congestive heart failure also rises dramatically. Breathing becomes extremely rapid as the strain to supply the body with oxygen.
Without serious medical intervention at this stage, the patient will probably not survive.
About the Author
George McKenzie is a former TV news anchor, medical reporter and radio talk show host.
