Our kidneys play an essential part in keeping us healthy by filtering waste products, excess fluids, and toxins out of our bloodstream. When these remarkable organs stop working properly it could result in serious health complications referred to as kidney failure, but what does a kidney failure feels like?
This blog post seeks to shed light on kidney failure by discussing its symptoms, causes, and treatments available. By becoming more aware of our kidney health we can take proactive measures against complications in the future.
Recognizing Symptoms of Kidney Failure
Kidney failure can happen gradually over time, or suddenly. Your symptoms depend on which stage your disease has reached; as a result, being aware of what kidney failure feels like can be invaluable!
Chronic Kidney Failure – Recognizing What’s Going On
Early stages of chronic kidney failure may not present with obvious symptoms; however, as your condition worsens, they could include:
- Fatigue and Weakness
- Changes to Urination
- Fluid Retention
- Loss of Appetite
- Taste Changes
- Sleep issues
- Skin conditions
Advanced Kidney Failure
In later stages, symptoms become increasingly severe. They might include:
- Confusion and difficulty focusing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of Breath
- High Blood Pressure
If any of these signs arise, please visit a healthcare provider like Dr Bismah Irfan for proper diagnosis and management!
What Causes A Kidney To Fail & What Are Its Treatments?
There are many potential causes of kidney failure: Some include the following;
Chronic Conditions
- Diabetes: Prolonged exposure to high levels of sugar can damage kidney blood vessels over time and eventually prevent their functionality altogether, eventually leading to organ dysfunction and failure.
- High Blood Pressure: Unmanaged high blood pressure exerts immense strain on kidneys, eventually resulting in their failure over time.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease: This hereditary disease leads to cyst formation on kidneys thus impacting their functionality and diminishing their efficiency over time.
Acute Causes
- Dehydration: Dehydration can severely impair kidney functions and ultimately result in kidney failure.
- Severe Infections: Serious infections place tremendous stress on the kidneys and may eventually result in acute renal failure that requires dialysis treatment or surgery as soon as possible after infection occurs.
- Blocked Urinary Tract: If your urinary tract becomes blocked it could hinder drainage of urine correctly and damage kidneys in turn.
- Certain Medication: Some medicines if taken without regard for dosage could pose great danger to kidney health – be wary when considering taking such drugs without first consulting with a healthcare practitioner.
Risk Factors
Some factors that may put an individual at a higher risk of kidney failure include; age, heredity of kidney disease, and smoking among others.
Read more: Is low potassium a sign of cancer?
Management of End-Stage Renal Disease
Sadly, there may not be a quick fix to kidney failure but at least there are methods of handling the situation to reduce the effects and improve the quality of life of the patient. Here are a few approaches:
- Dialysis: Hemodialysis is a treatment where unwanted substances and excess water in your blood are taken out as your kidneys are unable to do it. The basic forms of dialysis that can be availed by the patient comprise Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis.
- Kidney Transplant: Kidney replacement is one of the most common treatments when kidney failure occurs, but there is always a possibility that it will not work and in this case, the kidney transplant may be offered as the next best solution. In such instances, getting well-functioning organs from an unidentified dead person or a live relative or friend can help in improving their health.
- Early Intervention & Management: Preliminary detection of people with diabetes or high blood pressure that could lead to kidney failure is crucial in avoiding Kidney Disease or; slowing down its progress. In addition, a better general diet, exercising more, and avoiding smoking will yield enormous health benefits to the kidneys.
Final Thoughts
Our kidneys are among the vital organs in our bodies which remain unknown until they develop a problem. Kidney failure is a permanent condition; however, there are treatment options for such patients if diagnosed early. By learning more about what does a kidney failure feels like, its symptoms, causes, and available treatment, and the way to keep your kidneys healthy you become an empowered ally!
Dr. Bismah Irfan – Kidney Expert Doctor – emphasizes the significance of regular checkups and preventive measures in protecting kidney health. Be sure to visit your physician regularly to monitor kidney function if there are risk factors present in your life!
