According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic renal failure is a gradual loss of various kidney functions like removing wastes, concentrating urine and conserving electrolytes. Chronic renal failure allows dangerous levels of waste products and fluids to build up in the body. The condition usually occurs over a number of years as the internal structures of the kidney are slowly damaged and thus is unrecognized by patients until they have lost 75 percent of kidney function. According to Drugs.com, chronic renal failure affects more than 2 out of 1,000 people in the United States. Some of the symptoms of chronic renal failure are shortness of breath, decreased urine output, generalized weakness and loss of appetite.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is a symptom of chronic renal failure. According to the Mayo Clinic, shortness of breath can occur in patients suffering from chronic renal failure due to extra fluid on the lungs. Shortness of breath can also be a result of accumulation of toxins in the blood that results in decrease in the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.
Decreased Urine Output
Chronic renal failure results in decreased urine output. According to the MayoClinic, decrease in urine output occurs in chronic renal failure because of the malfunctioning of the kidney resulting in the improper absorption of water and waste from the bloodstream. A decrease in urine output can be a serious medical condition that needs immediate medical attention due to the possibility of chronic renal failure. Patients are advised to consult a physician immediately in such condition.
Generalized Weakness and Appetite
Generalized weakness can occur in patients suffering from chronic renal failure. According to the MayoClinic, generalized weakness is associated with chronic renal failure due to decrease in the red blood cell count which occurs because lower level of erythropoietin is insufficient to stimulate bone marrow. Erythropoietin is a protein hormone produced by kidney for regulating red blood cell production.
Loss of appetite is associated with chronic renal failure. According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic renal failure results in constant foul taste in the mouth of the patient, leading to the loss of appetite.
