Renal is another word for kidney, so renal failure is when the kidneys stop functioning. The kidneys help to filter the blood. They regulate levels of minerals in the blood, the blood volume and acidity, the blood pressure, expel toxins, signal the bone marrow to make blood and help make vitamin D. Without working kidneys, these functions are not performed.
Causes
There are many causes of renal failure. Like any organ, the kidneys require the oxygen and nutrients supplied by blood in order to work properly. A condition that prevents proper blood flow to the kidneys may lead to kidney failure such as a heart attack that compromises the heart's ability to deliver blood may lead to renal failure. Another example is a widespread bacterial infection in the body that drops the blood pressure too low for too long, and as a result, the kidneys do not get enough blood. Causes also may include drugs or toxins, or infections that directly damage the kidneys. Blocking the flow of urine, for example by an enlarged prostate or kidney stones may also lead to kidney failure.
Symptoms
Symptoms of renal failure may include fatigue, swelling, decreased urine output, mental status changes, nausea, shortness of breath, among other things. It is also possible that a person may go for a time without symptoms and still have failing kidneys.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made first by taking a careful history to see if the symptoms and risk factors are consistent with kidney failure. Lab tests will also help make the diagnosis. Blood and urine tests are corroborating evidence. A blood test for the chemicals BUN and creatinine, which are normally filtered by the kidneys, is crucial because in renal failure, the kidneys are unable to filter these chemicals and expel them in the urine, so their concentrations in the blood rise. Imaging or biopsies may also be helpful.
Treatment
Treatment of renal failure involves addressing the cause of the renal failure and curtailing the problems that arise from a lack of kidney function. For example, if a bacterial infection has lead to renal failure, part of the treatment would be antibiotics to eliminate the pathogen. Without proper kidney function, the blood is not properly filtered. Some drugs can be of help in regulating blood pressure, fluids or the level of minerals. Dialysis, or artificial filtering of the blood, may also be used. If the kidneys do not heal, then continued dialysis or kidney transplant may be warranted.
Prevention
Prevention includes proper use of medicines, which may lead to kidney failure, and controlling any diseases linked to kidney failure such as high blood pressure. Regular appointments with a health care professional can help to prevent, diagnose, and treat this disease.
