Kidney failure is an extremely serious kidney problem. It can even be life threatening. At the the very minimum, it can mean a lifetime of kidney dialysis treatments, or kidney transplantation surgery.
Symptoms of kidney failure often go undetected in the early stages.
The first sign of a developing problem may appear in your body chemistry. Electrolyte balances become abnormal. The kidneys become less efficient at eliminating water and clearing toxins, which are two of the kidneys’ major roles.
As function slips away, the kidneys also do less to help in the production of red blood cells (which is another important role they play).
Even if your kidneys are 80 percent impaired, they can still function and keep you alive. But the longer you wait, the more likely you are to experience these symptoms of kidney failure:
* general fatigue,
* a general feeling that you don’t have much strength or vitality,
* shortness of breath (known as dyspnea to doctors),
* generalized swelling.
If symptoms of kidney failure are not treated, a life-threatening situation can arise, including:
Low red blood cell count – Muscles and tissues won’t get the oxygen they need. This leads to weakness and fatigue.
Lack of adeuqate potassium excretion – When the kidneys do not filter out and dispose of potassium, there can be potentially fatal problems involving heart rhythm.
Metabolic acidosis – Your body doesn’t manufacture enough bicarbonate, causing higher levels of acidity in your system. The increased acidity affects oxygen and enzyme metabolism, which can result in kidney failure.
Uremia – Urea is the major solid component of urine. It’s a waste product that results from the digestion of protein, and it’s filtered from the bloodstream by the kidneys. When urea levels rise, certain muscle, heart and brain functions may be compromised, leading to the following symptoms of kidney failure:
* lack of interest in food
* constant, sometimes profound fatigue,
* decreased mental and cognitive abilities.
At this point, coma may occur.
At this stage of kidney failure, your body has to fight off numerous challenges. Excess fluid builds up and causes increased blood pressure. The risk of congestive heart failure also rises dramatically. Breathing becomes extremely rapid as the body fights to get enough oxygen.
Medical intervention is critical at this point if the patient is to survive.
If you want additional 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 Problems and You, a resource website about kidney health and wellness.


