Symptoms and Causes of Kidney Failure: A Guide for Patients

When your kidneys function at less than 20 percent of their optimal capacity, you’ve reached the point of renal failure. This stage can be a life-threatening one for many people, and it’s imperative to catch the condition early if you want to have a chance of reversing the inevitable downward spiral. A person’s kidneys are responsible for filtering out excess water and waste from the bloodstream. When these organs begin to fail, they can no longer keep up with those crucial functions, leading to a build-up of toxins in the body. Kidney failure is often called an end-stage renal disease because it’s almost always terminal without treatment or replacement surgeries. The sooner you catch it and begin treatment, the more time you’ll have left to live comfortably. Let’s take a closer look at what causes kidney failure and its symptoms…

The most common causes of kidney failure

The most common causes of kidney failure are diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. The latter is the most common reason for kidney failure in the U.S. and the vast majority of cases occur as a result of chronic inflammation of the kidneys, which is known as nephritis. Other less common causes include infections and autoimmune disorders such as lupus. In some cases, kidney failure may be the first sign of another serious medical condition such as cancer or a heart condition. If a person has other risk factors for kidney failure, these can be accelerated by certain medications, certain medical conditions, or even certain lifestyle choices.

Detecting and diagnosing kidney failure

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see your doctor right away, as they may be signs of kidney failure: - Increased thirst and urination - Kidneys are responsible for regulating your hydration levels and the amount of urine you produce. When they’re failing, they can’t do this as efficiently and you’ll find yourself drinking more and urinating more often. - Swelling and weight gain - One of the first signs of kidney damage is swelling and fluid retention, which can lead to rapid weight gain. Kidneys also regulate blood pressure, so if they’re failing, your blood pressure levels may be irregular and cause you to swell. - General weakness and fatigue - When your kidneys aren’t functioning properly, your body can’t get enough oxygen and nutrients from your blood. As a result, you’ll experience weakness and fatigue. - Mood changes - A person’s mood is heavily influenced by certain chemicals in the brain. When your kidneys are failing, they can’t filter out excess hormones in the blood that can cause mood swings, irritability, and anxiety. - Changes in urination - If you notice any significant changes in the color or smell of your urine, it could be a sign that your kidneys are failing.

What happens when your kidneys fail?

When your kidneys fail, they can no longer filter out excess waste and toxins from your blood. As a result, these dangerous substances begin to build up in your system and can cause a wide array of symptoms. The two most obvious signs of kidney failure are swelling and weight gain. This is caused by the buildup of excess fluid in your tissues and bloodstream. A person with failing kidneys may also experience changes in their mood, mood swings, and feelings of general weakness and fatigue. This can be caused by the buildup of certain hormones or chemicals in the bloodstream. If your kidneys fail, you’ll also find it more difficult to regulate your body temperature.

Strategies for coping with kidney failure

If you think you might be at risk for kidney failure, there are certain lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk. First and foremost, you should always monitor your blood pressure levels and try to keep them in a healthy range. Diabetes and obesity are the two most common causes of high blood pressure, so it’s important to keep an eye on your diet and weight if you have either of these conditions. You should also make sure to get plenty of exercises to help lower your blood pressure and cut back on your risk of developing kidney disease.

Summing up

When your kidneys fail, they can no longer filter out excess waste and toxins from your blood. As a result, these dangerous substances begin to build up in your system and can cause a wide array of symptoms. Anyone can develop kidney failure, but those who’ve suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease are much more at risk. When you notice any of the symptoms of kidney failure, visit your doctor immediately. Early detection can help save your life.