Kidney Failure Symptoms

Often, there are no early signs of kidney failure that can be detected without kidney tests that detect elevated kidney function. Kidney failure symptoms often don't appear until the problem has become dangerously advanced.

Symptoms and signs of kidney failure in humans usually to appear first in the body's chemistry as problems arise in regulating electrolyte balances. The kidneys become less efficient at eliminating water and clearing toxins, which are two of the kidney's major roles. There's also a drop in the production of red blood cells.

As a result, the patient may start to experience these kidney failure symptoms

• lethargy,
• weakness,
• shortness of breath,
• generalized swelling

If renal failure signs are not treated, a life-threatening situation can arise, including

A lack of red blood cells  As a result muscles and tissues will get an inadequate supply of oxygen. This leads to weakness and a general feeling of 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 This means there's increased acidity in the system because the body can't manufacture bicarbonate. This can alter enzyme and oxygen metabolism, leading to kidney failure.

Uremia  Rising urea levels in the blood can affect muscle, brain and heart function.

Waste products begin to build up in the body, leading to more kidney failure symptoms:

• loss of appetite,
• lethargy, and
• even greater fatigue
• decreased mental function and ability 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.

Click on renal failure signs for additional information.

Learn more about the dangers of kidney disease by clicking on the book cover below or

The Kidney Disease Solution