According to Baylor College of Medicine, renal failure can be defined as either the sudden or gradual loss of kidney function. When the kidneys do not perform like they should, excess waste and fluid that would normally be filtered out remains in the body and accumulates. Renal failure may be caused by many diseases and conditions.
Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis is a kidney disease that leads to impairment of the ability of the kidneys to remove wastes and extra fluids, says MayoClinic.com. The disease can progress quickly or over time, and may develop by itself or as a result of another illness, in which case it would be called secondary glomerulonephritis. Symptoms include tea-colored urine, fatigue, fluid retention with visible swelling in the face, abdomen or limbs, and high blood pressure. Glomerulonephritis is caused by an inflammation of the glomeruli, which are small filters in the kidney. Typically, the exact source of an individual's disease is not definitively known, but may be caused by strep infections, viral infections or bacterial endocarditis, notes MayoClinic.com. This disease can cause acute or chronic kidney failure; dialysis or a kidney transplant may be needed.
Liver Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis of the liver is a condition in which the liver deteriorates and doesn't function properly, typically due to scar tissue buildup. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse says that scar tissue takes the place of healthy liver tissue and impedes blood flow through the organ. Causes of liver cirrhosis can include heavy and prolonged alcohol use, chronic hepatitis B and C, fatty liver disease, and drugs or toxins. Early stages of cirrhosis are usually asymptomatic, but advanced disease can cause symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, itching and loss of appetite. As the cirrhosis progresses, it causes complications like jaundice and renal failure.
Lupus
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body. It causes the body to not differentiate its own cells from foreign cells, and the body starts attacking healthy cells of the body, explains the Lupus Foundation of America. Symptoms of lupus can vary widely, but may include extreme fatigue, painful or swollen joints, a butterfly-shaped rash on the face, hair loss and anemia. Genetics are thought to play a role in causing lupus, but environmental factors and hormones may also be involved. Lupus can damage the kidneys by causing inflammation and preventing them from being able to filter wastes, and lead to end-stage renal disease and renal failure.
