MayoClinic.com explains that the kidneys work as a filter in the human body, removing waste and excess fluid from the blood. Hormones produced by the kidneys work to build bone strength and keep the blood healthy, says MedlinePlus. The National Kidney Foundation indicates that 26 million American adults have a chronic kidney disease that causes the kidneys to not function properly.
Considerations
MayoClinic.com states that kidney failure often occurs over time, with no symptoms emerging in the early stages. As further damage progresses in the kidneys, they lose the ability to function properly. According to MedlinePlus, consequences include build up of harmful waste in the body, high blood pressure, retention of fluid and inadequate production of red blood cells. These consequences generate a diverse array of symptoms. MayoClinic.com warns that many of the symptoms of kidney failure may also be attributed to other illnesses.
Causes
Different conditions lead to kidney failure and subsequent symptoms. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse indicates that the two most common causes of kidney failure are diabetes and high blood pressure. In diabetes, excess sugar may remain in the blood, acting like a poison that damages the kidneys over time. Small blood vessels in the kidneys may become damaged from prolonged high blood pressure, affecting their ability to filter waste.
Complications
Damaged kidneys may lead to the development of various complications. The National Kidney Foundation identifies several of these, including high blood pressure, anemia or a low blood count, weakened bones, nerve damage and poor nutritional health. Further complications from decrease kidney function involve an increased risk for heart attack and blood vessel disease. Some of the causes of kidney failure discussed above may also be caused by kidney failure, such as diabetes. These complications may cause other symptoms to arise.
Symptoms
Anemia is a condition caused by kidney failure, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Individuals with this condition may frequently feel tired and appear pale. Kidney failure may affect an individual's ability to taste food, changing the taste. The individual may no longer like her favorite foods and may become nauseated at the thought of eating. Individuals may experience persistent itchy skin as well. MayoClinic.com identifies further symptoms of kidney failure, including problems urinating, vomiting, weakness, sleep problems, decreased mental sharpness, muscle twitching and cramps and swelling in the feet and ankles. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse identifies other symptoms, including feeling numb, swelling of the hands and darkened skin.
Intervention
Emergence of symptoms listed above should prompt an individual to seek the assistance of a medical professional. MayoClinic.com indicates that a doctor may monitor an individual with concerns regarding kidney disease by testing blood pressure, testing urine for evidence of kidney failure and testing blood at regular appointments. MedlinePlus says that the two treatment options for kidney failure include dialysis and kidney transplant. Further intervention involves modifying eating patterns and daily activities.
References
- MayoClinic: Chronic Kidney Failure
- MedlinePlus: Kidney Failure
- National Kidney Foundation: Chronic Kidney Disease
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Kidney Failure: What to Expect
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: The Kidneys and How They Work
