Obsessions, Compulsions & Disorders

Kidney failure is an extremely serious kidney problem. It can even be life threatening. At the the very least, it may result in a lifetime of kidney dialysis treatments, or a kidney transplant operation.

Symptoms of kidney failure don’t usually appear – or are very hard to detect – until the disease has progressed to the point where danger is imminent.

The first clue that kidney failure may be in progress often appears in your body chemistry as electrolyte balances become irregular. Two of the kidneys’ most important functions begin to degrade: filtering toxins and eliminating excess water.

There’s also a drop in the production of red blood cells (one of the other important roles played by the kidneys).

As kidney failure continues to progress, the patient may start to experience these symptoms:

* a sense of lethargy,
* a general feeling that you don’t have much strength or vitality,
* frequent dyspnea (shortness of breath),
* swelling in various areas of the body.

If symptoms of kidney failure are not treated, a life-threatening situation can arise, including:

A lack of red blood cells – Muscles and tissues won’t get the oxygen they need. This leads to weakness and fatigue.

Inadequate potassium excretion – The heart may also be in danger due to the inability to excrete potassium. Rising potassium levels can lead to fatal heart rhythm problems.

Metabolic acidosis – Your body isn’t making enough bicarbonate, which means there’s an increase in acid levels in your body. This can alter enzyme and oxygen metabolism, leading to kidney failure.

Uremia – Urea the primary solid component in urine. It is a waste chemical produced during the digestion of protein. The kidneys filter urea from our blood and it leaves the body in our urine. Rising urea levels in the blood can affect muscle, brain and heart function. Clearer symptoms of kidney failure begin to present themselves, including

* loss of appetite
* low energy levels and even extreme fatigue,
* decreased cognitive functioning and an inability to think clearly.

At this point, coma may occur.

At advanced stages of kidney failure, the body cannot cope with rising acid levels, which causes rapid breathing an increase in blood pressure due to excess fluid, possibly leading to congestive heart failure.

For the patient to survive at this point, medical intervention is critical.

If you want to find more information on subjects related to this article, click on Kidney Failure and Its Symptoms. George McKenzie is a retired TV anchor, medical reporter and radio talk show host. He has a special interest in kidney-related issues, and is a frequent contributor to Kidney Health and You, a resource website about kidney health and wellness.