Symptoms of Kidney Failure

Symptoms of kidney failure often don't appear until the problem has become dangerously advanced.

Symptoms tend to appear first in the body's chemistry as problems arise in regulating electrolyte balances. The kidney becomes 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

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

If symptoms of kidney failure 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

• 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.
 

 
Would you like to learn more about symptoms of kidney failure? Type a keyword or phrase into the box below and click on "Search"