{"id":5763,"date":"2019-04-18T04:44:32","date_gmt":"2019-04-18T04:44:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=5763"},"modified":"2021-03-30T21:07:45","modified_gmt":"2021-03-30T21:07:45","slug":"14-common-symptoms-of-renal-failure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-common-symptoms-of-renal-failure\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Symptoms of Renal Failure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The kidneys are a vital organ with many responsibilities including filtering waste from the bloodstream, regulating blood pressure, maintaining electrolyte balance, and the production of red blood cells. When things start to go wrong with our kidneys, we risk the development of kidney disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the waste products build up in the body, affected individuals start to experience the onset of symptoms related to the condition. If left unmanaged and untreated, kidney disease can progress into renal failure, where the kidneys shut down, and the affected patient faces a life-threatening situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment for renal; failure involves admittance to monitored care in a hospital where physicians can keep an eye on the progress of your condition and administer dialysis. In many cases, people who experience renal failure require a kidney transplant to survive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are eight common symptoms of renal failure. Should you notice the early stages of kidney disease, speak to your doctor about a treatment program.
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1.    Lethargy and Fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The kidneys are responsible for filtering out the toxins we ingest through food, water, and the air we breathe. People with healthy kidneys have no trouble clearing these accumulated particles \u2013 however, those individuals who are living with kidney disease have inefficient kidney function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the toxins continue to accumulate in the bloodstream. Toxicity leads to feelings of tiredness which eventually results in fatigue where the affected individual may feel so lethargic <\/a>that they can barely get out of bed in the morning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This symptom is typically one of the first signs of kidney disease that may result in renal failure if the patient does not receive treatment with dialysis to clean the blood and remove the toxins. At this stage of the disease, when symptoms start to present, it\u2019s best to arrange a comprehensive evaluation of your condition with your medical practitioner. Delaying your diagnosis could end up costing you your health.
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2.    Shortness of Breath<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients dealing with CKD, (chronic kidney disease,) may notice that they start to develop shortness of breath symptoms when walking up stairs or during physical activity which causes strain on their cardiovascular system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, they may attribute this symptom to a lung infection <\/a>of some other disease. Medical science is still unclear as to how this shortness of breath symptoms occurs in people affected by CKD. However, shortness of breath is a serious condition to deal with and maybe a sign of a severe underlying health problem triggered by your kidney disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you notice signs of shortness of breath, its best to stop what you\u2019re doing and take a rest, breathe deeply and control your exhalation, this will help you regain control of your breathing. Please take note of the activity you were doing when the attack happens, and report it to your doctor on your next scheduled appointment.
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3.    Swollen Ankles and Puffy Eyes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who are suffering from the physical effects of CKD may notice symptoms of swelling <\/a>in their feet and ankles, as well as puffiness and redness around the eyes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re experiencing puffiness and redness around your eyes \u2013 it might not be because you didn\u2019t get enough sleep last night or symptoms of hay fever. People with CKD start to leak proteins into the urine from their kidneys, resulting in swelling and redness around the eyes \u2013 it\u2019s a dead giveaway of the disease, and anyone with this symptom should see their doctor as soon as possible for a diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should you notice that your ankles and lower legs are starting to swell, this could also be another sign of CKD. A drop in kidney function causes the body to retain excessive amounts of sodium. Sodium binds to water, producing symptoms of swelling, particularly in the lower limbs and feet. In some cases, the swelling may cause throbbing sensations or mild pain and discomfort.
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4.    Problems with Urine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The kidneys filter your blood and expel the toxins through urine<\/a>. People who are living with kidney disease may find that they need to urinate more often than usual \u2013 especially during the nighttime. Damage to the kidneys results in this symptom \u2013 but it also may be a sign of an enlarged prostate or urinary infection in men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People experiencing kidney disease may also notice that they start to exhibit signs of bloody urine. Your urine may develop a pungent odor and turn dark in color \u2013 even when you\u2019re hydrated. CKD forces kidney inefficiency, allowing blood cells to leak into the urine. Bloody urine is also a sign of the advanced stage of kidney disease, and could also be a symptom of infection in the kidneys or urinary tract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People with kidney disease may also notice that their urine turns foamy. This urinary symptom occurs due to excessive amounts of protein in the urine, resulting in a frothy appearance.
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5.    Loss of Appetite<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This symptom of kidney disease is also associated with many other conditions as well. Therefore, it may not be the best indicator of kidney disease. However, if you experience a loss of appetite, along with other symptoms mentioned in this article \u2013 5then you could be suffering from the onset of chronic kidney disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lack of appetite occurs in people with kidney disease, due to the accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream. The body identifies the ever-increasing toxic load, preventing the excretion of ghrelin in the pancreas \u2013 the hormone responsible for making you feel hungry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of a drop in ghrelin, you feel less like eating and may go for days without feeling hungry. Patients find that their appetite returns after they undergo dialysis to filter the toxins <\/a>from their blood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it\u2019s been a day or two since you last ate, then make sure you break your fast using healthy foods and avoid sugary snacks and soda.
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6.    Confusion and Muscle Cramps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The kidneys are responsible for maintaining your electrolyte <\/a>and mineral balance. People who are suffering from kidney disease have a diminished ability to retain the delicate balance of potassium, sodium, phosphorus, and calcium, as well as produce enough electrolytes to ensure the body remains functional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we experience a mineral imbalance of electrolyte deficiency, we put ourselves at the risk of developing seizures that may result in the patient falling into a coma or dying. As a result of the mineral and electrolyte imbalance, affected individuals may notice that they start to experience bouts of confusion \u2013 particularly in the morning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another common symptom of mineral imbalance and electrolyte deficiency is muscle cramping. Muscles rely on potassium to prevent cramps, and when it\u2019s in low concentration s in the bloodstream, it leads to the development of cramping and spasms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors treat any mineral imbalance either with medications, supplements or IV treatment to increase electrolytes and minerals in the bloodstream.
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7.    Metabolic Acidosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the essential functions of the kidneys is to maintain the acidic balance in the body. People who are living with chronic kidney disease lose the efficiency of these organs, allowing for the buildup of acid in the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the body\u2019s acidic balance becomes far too extreme, leading to the development of \u201cmetabolic acidosis,\u201d which can result in a variety of adverse health conditions affecting every organ and metabolic system in the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who are suffering from metabolic acidosis may find that they struggle to fall asleep at night. Other common symptoms associated with this condition include stiff and swollen joints, as well as confusion and headache<\/a>. Affected individuals may also feel lethargic and tired during the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors will admit the patient to hospital care and run dialysis on their blood to remove the extra acidity and return the patient to normal bodily function.
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8.    Dry and Itchy Skin <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The kidneys and liver are the body\u2019s filters for removing toxins from the bloodstream<\/a>. If either of them starts to fail due to the development of the chronic disease, it may place pressure on the other organ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some individuals with CKD notice that they start to develop symptoms of dry and itchy skin. As a result, they may find that they are scratching themselves throughout the day., In cases where the kidneys are experiencing disease, the liver may start to produce extra bilirubin. This compound may cause symptoms of itchy and dry skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Itchy and dry skin may also be a sign of mineral deficiency or bone disease that often accompanies the development of chronic kidney disease. Since the kidneys can no longer maintain the right mineral balance in the body, affected individuals may start to show signs of itching as a result of the mineral loss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice any of these signs of kidney disease, speak to your doctor about the diagnosis and treatment of your condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Irregular Heartbeat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who are living with CKD and heart disease may experience weak circulation which exacerbates the effects of kidney dysfunction associated with CKD. If the affected individual has problems with your heart valves, then blood may pool in the heart chambers, increasing blood pressure in the main artery that connects to the kidneys. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the artery may experience a blockage that starts to interfere with normal heart function and the supply of oxygenated blood to the kidneys. The patient may develop heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat, and the lack of oxygenated blood may lead to the onset of chronic kidney disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the kidneys are struggling to operate efficiently, the hormone <\/a>system tries to pick up the slack. The hormone system regulates blood pressure and increases its workload to increase circulation. The additional stress on the heart may also start the onset of cardiovascular conditions like hypertension.
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10. Chest Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Problems with the renal system also affect the cardiovascular system as well. Patients with CKD experience weakened kidney function and may start to develop blockages in the artery that supply blood to the organ. As a result, the patient may begin to develop heart disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients with heart disease may experience congestive heart failure if they do not receive treatment for their condition. Congestive heart failure usually results in cardiomyopathy, (heart attack,) which has life-threatening consequences if medical staff are not on hand to treat the patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the moments before renal failure, the patient may notice that they start to develop severe chest pain<\/a>, as the artery that feeds the kidneys starts to allow blood to pool in the heart chambers. The pain emanates from the heart and shoots toward the shoulder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the patient does not receive immediate medical assistance, they run the risk of heart attack and sudden death from congestive heart failure.
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11. Nausea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many patients who are living with kidney disease find that the condition produces symptoms of nausea <\/a>and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting symptoms occur for a variety of reasons, and it’s challenging for doctors to isolate an exact cause for the bouts of illness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the contributing factors to the advent of nausea symptoms include the buildup of uremic toxins in the kidneys. Since the kidneys are responsible for clearing toxins from the bloodstream, when they operate inefficiently, these harmful particles accumulate, resulting in feelings of nausea in the patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other reasons may include the use of medications to combat the effects of the disease, as well as contributing conditions like ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and gall bladder disease. All of these conditions place pressure on the kidneys that may result in the development of nausea symptoms. Ensure that your physician is aware of any contributing diseases or health disorders during your diagnosis appointment.
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12. Glomerulonephritis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This condition describes the inflammation <\/a>of the \u201cglomeruli,\u201d which are the tiny filters in your kidneys. The glomeruli are responsible for removing all of the toxins in your bloodstream, along with excess electrolytes and fluids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the glomeruli experience levels of chronic inflammation, blockages occur, interfering with the filtering process. This disorder has two forms \u2013 chronic and acute. In the cute type, the disease comes on gradually over the course of a few years, while the onset of the chronic kind occurs suddenly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both forms of glomerulonephritis produce symptoms of hypertension, edema, foamy urine, and dark urine in patients. Occasionally, glomerulonephritis occurs due to a complication from an existing health disorder such as diabetes or lupus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glomerulonephritis can significantly exacerbate the advancement of CKD, and increase the intensity of symptoms. Doctors treat the condition using medications and regular checkups, along with routine dialysis to help remove toxins from the bloodstream.
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13. A Decrease in Urine Production<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who are living with kidney disease will usually experience an increase in urine <\/a>output. However, when in the advanced stages of the condition, the patient may start to experience a reverse of the disorder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oliguria describes a condition where the patient with CKD starts to notice a decline in urinary output. Their urine may darken significantly, and they may begin to show signs of extreme fatigue and abdominal pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with oliguria have a urinary output under 400 milliliters per hour, which equates to around 13-ounces over 24-hours. If left untreated and unmanaged, the patient\u2019s condition may progress further into a state known as, \u201canuria,\u201d where the patient has an absence of urine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients with anuria have a urinary output of less than 1.7-ounces in 24-hours. Both oliguria and anuria are severe health concerns and may result in toxic effects on the body as the patient loses the ability to remove toxins from the bloodstream.
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14. Seizure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As previously explained, the glomeruli are responsible for filtering out all of the excess electrolytes and fluids from the bloodstream while removing harmful particles. CKD affects the normal function of the glomeruli, resulting in the onset of glomerulonephritis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the body starts to lose the ability to flush out minerals and electrolytes, it runs the risk of developing an electrolyte imbalance. This condition has severe effects, which result in the patient developing seizures until the physicians restore the electrolyte balance through the use of an IV drip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the most part, patents who experience these seizures <\/a>have no lasting brain damage. However, its effects depend on the duration and the intensity of the seizure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors can control levels of toxicity through the use of dialysis treatment in patients who are suffering from CKD. Dialysis removes the patient’s blood, filters it to remove the harmful particles, and then returns the clean blood to the patient’s body.
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