Kidney failure represents the final stage of chronic kidney disease, indicating that the kidneys have lost their ability to filter waste from the blood effectively. At this stage, survival typically requires dialysis or a kidney transplant.
There are various types of kidney failure, including:
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Acute prerenal kidney failure
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Acute intrinsic kidney failure
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Chronic prerenal kidney failure
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Chronic intrinsic kidney failure
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Chronic postrenal kidney failure
If left untreated, kidney failure can become life-threatening. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding the underlying causes is essential for early intervention and management.
Symptoms of Kidney Failure
In the early stages, kidney failure may not show any noticeable signs, which is why many people remain unaware of their condition. As the disease progresses, the following symptoms may start to appear:
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Persistent fatigue
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Nausea or vomiting
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Pain in the lower back
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Frequent urination
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Shortness of breath
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Chest discomfort
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Swelling in the face, hands, or feet
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Difficulty concentrating
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Loss of appetite
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Dry and itchy skin
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High blood pressure
Common Causes of Kidney Failure
The kidneys play a vital role in filtering blood and eliminating waste through urine. However, several medical conditions can disrupt this function. Some of the key causes include:
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Diabetes
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High blood pressure (Hypertension)
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Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
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Blood clots in the urinary tract
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Heart disease or heart attack
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Liver disease
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Multiple myeloma
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Autoimmune kidney diseases
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Severe kidney injury or trauma
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Kidney stones
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Glomerular diseases
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Severe dehydration
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Overuse of anti-inflammatory medications
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Sepsis (blood infection)
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Lupus
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Chemotherapy side effects
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Heavy metal poisoning
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Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking
Diagnosis and Treatment of Kidney Failure
To confirm a diagnosis of kidney failure, your doctor may recommend a range of tests, such as:
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Urinalysis
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Blood tests
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Kidney ultrasound or scans
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Kidney biopsy
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Chest X-ray
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Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) test
Treatment Options
The type of treatment depends on the stage and severity of the condition. Common treatment methods include:
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Dialysis:
A medical procedure that uses a machine to filter waste, salt, and excess fluid from your blood. Patients undergoing dialysis are usually advised to follow a low-sodium and low-potassium diet. -
Kidney Transplant:
A surgical procedure in which the failed kidney is replaced with a healthy donor kidney. This option often offers better long-term outcomes compared to dialysis.
Additionally, patients should maintain a kidney-friendly diet that is low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, and avoid alcohol and smoking for better health outcomes.
Prevention and Regular Monitoring
Kidney failure doesn’t develop overnight—it is usually the result of underlying medical conditions that progress over time. That’s why staying aware of the symptoms and getting regular health checkups is crucial.
Comprehensive health packages like Thyrocare’s Full Body Checkup or Aarogyam packages can help in the early detection of abnormalities, enabling timely treatment and better management of your health.
