The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse explains that healthy functioning kidneys process waste through the urine . In addition to the filtering process, healthy kidneys also stimulate the hormones erythropoietin, renin and calcitrol. These hormones aid in producing red blood cells, regulating blood pressure and maintaining bone health. Disease of the kidneys occurs for a variety of reasons, and reduction or failure in functioning has differing symptoms, depending on the kidneys' stage of decline.
Acute Injury Symptoms
Sudden injury to the kidneys occurs due to temporary complications such as medication side effects, dehydration or prolonged bleeding. The U.S. National Library of Medicine notes that common symptoms of acute kidney disruption includes swelling due to fluid retention, higher than normal blood pressure and bloody stool. Changes in urination such as decreased urination or cessation of urination also indicate potential acute symptoms. Waste builds up in the kidneys potentially causing toxicity and symptoms of fatigue, tremors and seizures. In the event of acute injury, permanent kidney damage may occur if symptoms are not treated. Depending on the level of damage, however, symptoms may be reversed.
Chronic Disease Symptoms
Disease or injury to the kidneys persisting for months or years can cause lasting kidney damage. In some cases, a person may have chronic kidney disease without the presence of apparent symptoms. When symptoms of kidney damage are unnoticed, it is often in the presence of another medical condition such as diabetes, enlarged prostate or lupus. Overtime, symptoms such as frequent nausea and vomiting may appear. MayoClinic.com indicates that sleep problems, urine changes and decreased mental clarity may also result. The danger in unrecognized symptoms is lack of treatment for the kidneys leading to irreversible damage and medical complications to other organs. Chronic medical conditions that may also impede healthy kidney functioning should be monitored by a physician for possible treatment.
End-Stage Disease Symptoms
Total and permanent kidney failure requires extensive medical treatment to maintain quality of life with the disease. Total renal failure signifies that the kidneys no longer remove waste and are unable to regulate important body functioning. In addition to the symptoms present in acute and chronic kidney disease, end-stage symptoms include changes in skin color, bone pain and nervous system changes such as numbness in extremities. The University of Maryland Medical Center also notes that nosebleeds, easy bruising and weight loss occur during renal failure. At this point in kidney failure, transplantation or lifelong dialysis is required to keep the person alive. Dialysis is the process of cleaning the blood through a special filter that serves as a pseudo-kidney to capture waste and cleanse the blood.
