Kidney Failure

Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys stop working or the level of efficiency is less than 10%. This is also called ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease).

When the kidney function deteriorates, the waste products and excess fluid remain in the body.

These waste products and fluids are toxic in large quantities and their accumulation will eventually lead to nausea, headaches and dizziness.

Your skin may begin to itch and various parts of your body may swell as a result of fluid retention. This retention of fluid called oedema, will lead to an increase in body weight, resulting in high blood pressure and respiratory problems.

Kidney failure can lead to blood deficiency (anemia) and brittle bones.

Acute renal failure occurs when the kidneys suddenly stop working. This condition is temporary. The cause may be disease, injury, major surgery or toxic agents. This is mostly reversible.

Chronic renal failure can occur suddenly, or develop gradually over a period of time. This is not reversible. Kidney function never returns.

Cause of kidney failure

Kidney failure can happen to anyone, any age, race, any walk of life.

The common cause of kidney failure is glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney) diabetes mellitus.

Other causes include hypertension, blockage, chronic infection, hereditary, accidents and injury caused by medication, drugs, poisons and radiation.

Kidney failure is life threatening unless treated by dialysis or transplantation.

Symptoms of Renal failure

Uremia is the medical term to describe symptoms when the kidneys no longer work. When waste products build up in the blood stream you may feel sick due to the symptoms of uremia. Symptoms include the following: headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, itching, feeling tired, high blood pressure, diarrhea, decrease in urination, swelling, loss of appetite and breathlessness.