Kidney failure: Top reasons why it happens; warning symptoms

Dr.Umesh Gupta, 4 mins read

The kidneys are a pair of organs situated in the area that runs down your back. The kidneys filter blood removes extra water and eliminates toxic substances from your body. These toxins travel to the bladder and are removed whenever you go to the bathroom. Kidney failure is when the kidneys cease their capacity to filter out bloodborne waste adequately.

Different conditions can cause kidneys to function less effectively. This can hinder the elimination of waste. When this occurs, it may result in kidney failure.

The article below will learn about kidney failure, its signs and causes, and treatment options.

The types of kidney failure

Acute kidney failure is when the kidneys suddenly stop functioning as they should. Chronic kidney failure happens gradually over time.

Acute kidney failure

Acute kidney failure may result from direct injury to the kidneys, like accidents or physical impacts. Other causes are an overdose of toxins and ischemia, which refers to a lack of oxygen in the kidneys.

Ischemia can result from extreme swelling, shock blockage of the kidneys' blood vessels, and glomerulonephritis. This is an illness in which the tiny blood vessels inside the kidneys are inflamed.

Chronic renal failure

It happens when there is permanent injury to your kidneys due to the kidney's intrinsic disease.

The signs

The severity of symptoms varies widely depending on whether an individual suffers from chronic or acute kidney failure and its stage. While symptoms can begin at any point when a kidney problem is present, the symptoms generally appear in the late stages.

• Trouble sleep
• Swelling of legs and feet as a result of the retention of fluid
• Muscle cramps
• The mouth has a metallic taste
• Loss of appetite

In stage 5 stage, symptoms can also include:

• Trouble breathing
• producing very little or no urine
• Changes in the color of your skin
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting

The causes of kidney failure

A variety of factors or conditions can cause kidney problems. Based on the National Kidney Foundation, the two most frequently cited causes are diabetes and high blood pressure. The people who are at the highest risk are those who possess one or two of the above.

Urine elimination problems

If your body cannot eliminate the urine, toxins accumulate and overburden the kidneys. Certain cancers may block urinary tracts, for example:

• Colon
• Prostate
• Bladder
• Cervical

Other conditions can affect the urination process and could result in kidney failure, such as:

• An enlarged prostate
• Kidney stones
• Injury to bladder nerves.
• Blood clots that form within the urinary tract

Insufficient renal blood supply

An abrupt loss of the flow of blood to your kidneys could lead to kidney failure. The causes of an interruption in blood flow to the kidneys are:

• The scarring and the damage to the liver, or the liver failing
• Heart disease
• Severe burns
• Heart attack
• Dehydration
• Grave infection
• Allergic reactions

Other causes

Other causes that can result in kidney failure include:

• Heavy metal poisoning
• Infection
• Enlargement of blood clots within and around the kidneys
• Vasculitis is an inflammation of blood vessels.
• Alcohol and drugs
• The inflammation is caused by glomerulonephritis. It affects the small blood vessels in the kidneys.
• A multiple myeloma is a form of cancer of plasma cells found in the bone marrow of your patient.
• Hemolytic uremic disorder, which is the result of the breakdown of red blood cells due to an infection by bacteria, most commonly in the intestines
• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is an illness that can cause blood clots to form in the small vessels.
• Dyes used in specific imaging tests
• Chemotherapy drugs to help treat cancer and other auto-immune illnesses
• The condition isn't being treated.
• Certain antibiotics

Treatment

The treatment of kidney failure usually comprises the following choices:

Kidney transplant

If a person's kidney function is less than 20% or less, they could be suitable for a transplant. Donated kidneys may be from a living donor or a deceased donor.

Following the transplant, The patient will have to take medication to be sure the organ doesn't reject it. The transplant matching process can be long, and not every person is qualified to receive an organ transplant.

Dialysis

Dialysis is the process of using an instrument called a dialyzer, which is responsible for the health of the kidneys. The device can remove waste and water from the blood. The dialysis type known as dialysis peritoneal uses the lining of an individual's abdomen to filter blood.

After an experienced dialysis nurse has taught them for about a week, patients can undergo this dialysis at work, at home, or even on the road. Dialysis is not a cure for kidney problems; however, it can enhance the quality of a person's life.

Treatment plans

The treatment plan is complete and could comprise:

• Eliminating or limiting alcohol intake, which causes kidneys to perform more
• Be sure to monitor yourself for any signs of deterioration in kidney function.
• Following a diet for renal function, as directed by a doctor or nutritionist.
• exercising
• getting plenty of sleep

One may also require treatment for complications of kidney disease. For instance, a physician might prescribe iron, vitamin B, or folic acid supplements to treat anemia.

Conclusion

Kidney failure may develop abruptly or be the result of damage that has been sustained for a long time. There are a variety of possible causes of kidney failure, like diabetes or high blood pressure, exposure to high doses of medications, extreme kidney trauma, dehydration, and many other causes.

Kidney disease can be classified into five phases. The stages range from moderate to total kidney failure. The symptoms and complications get worse as the stages advance. If you are suffering from kidney disease, you can consult with your physician to find the most effective treatments for your situation.

Also, Read: How to Prevent Kidney Failure?