What Is Renal Failure?
What are the kidneys?
The kidneys perform important functions that maintain a healthy internal chemistry. The kidneys are sometimes referred to as the “chemists” of the body. Other organs also depend on the kidneys to work properly. When the kidneys work properly they have a remarkable ability to keep things in order even when we eat and drink too much.
Most people have two kidneys. They are located on each side of the spine in the lower back and are protected by muscles and ribs. Each kidney resembles a lima bean in shape and is about the size of your fist. The kidneys perform a number of complicated functions that are necessary for maintaining life. Their jobs are to filter the blood, remove wastes, and regulate the body fluid.
What are the functions of the kidneys?
- Filter—the kidneys act as a filter to remove waste products and fluids.
- Blood pressure control—the kidneys control blood pressure by fluid and sodiumremoval and by hormonal action.
- Hormone production—the kidneys produce a hormone, erythropoietin, which is responsible for red blood cell production. The kidney also produces the active form of Vitamin D which aids in absorption of calcium.
What is chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
Chronic kidney disease is the gradual and permanent loss of kidney function. Once chronic kidney disease occurs, the kidneys will not return to normal function. Chronic kidney disease may be the result of heredity, or caused by prolonged medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
This condition will affect many aspects of a person’s life. As the kidneys become less efficient, waste products and excess fluid remain in the body. If left untreated, blood pressure may become seriously elevated. One may tire easily, have a poor appetite, and look pale.
Initially, the decline in the kidneys’ ability to regulate body chemistry may require only changes in the diet and medication to maintain health. However, eventually the decrease in kidney function will require more medical treatment. When severe chronic kidney disease develops it is called end stage renal disease (ESRD).
If you develop chronic kidney disease, you will be referred to a nephrologist (physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of people with kidney disease). The nephrologist will discuss your treatment with you. You will also meet other health care professionals who will help you understand kidney disease and answer your questions.
What causes chronic kidney disease?
Diseases of the kidney are serious and may lead to significant health problems. There is no known cure for chronic kidney disease, but medical research continues. The medical progress that has been made in the treatment of kidney disease is very encouraging.
Kidney disease changes the kidneys' structure and ability to work properly. There are many diseases of the kidney. Disorders affecting the kidneys can occur throughout the urinary tract. Kidney damage, from whatever source, can result in some degree of kidney failure.
Diseases that can lead to chronic kidney disease include:—
- Diabetes—diabetes that is not well controlled or has been long-term can lead to the blood vessels becoming much smaller. As blood vessels decrease in size, they do not allow adequate amounts of blood to pass through the kidneys. This decrease in blood flow can lead to kidney disease. Diabetes is now one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease in adults.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)—high blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys. The damaged blood vessels cannot filter the wastes from the blood. People of all ages can have serious elevations of their blood pressure. The treatment of high blood pressure is aimed at finding the reason and, if possible, correcting the cause.
- Glomerulonephritis—this type of kidney disease is an inflammation of the glomerulus. This inflammation can result from many causes. The most common form of glomerulonephritis is the result of the kidneys' response to a bacterial infection (streptococcus) of the throat (strep throat), tonsils, or skin. A person with glomerulonephritis usually loses some blood into the urine giving it a tea color. High blood pressure is a frequent and serious complication of this kidney disease.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease—this is a hereditary disease where one or both of the kidneys develop multiple cysts that enlarge and destroy healthy kidney tissue. The areas of cysts have the appearance of clusters of grapes.
- Urinary Tract Infections—a urinary tract infection occurs when large numbers of bacteria grow in the urinary tract which is normally sterile. A urinary tract infection can involve only the bladder or can involve the kidneys as well.
- Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome—this disease most commonly occurs in young children following a diarrheal or respiratory illness. It is usually a sudden, severe kidney failure caused by the formation of clots in the small blood vessels of the kidney. Breakdown of red blood cells occurs which results in anemia.
What are the symptoms of chronic kidney disease?
There are many symptoms that indicate the kidneys are not working properly. People in the early stages of kidney disease may not feel sick at all. The first signs may be general and include headaches or feeling tired all the time. Symptoms of kidney disease may include:
- Pale complexion
- Tiring easily
- Swelling of the feet, ankles, face, and eyes
- Poor appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Lower back pain where the kidneys are located
- Frequent urination/decrease in the amount of urine
- Burning sensation with urination/bloody or coffee-colored urine
- Dry, itchy skin
- High blood pressure
Who is at increased risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic kidney disease can affect anyone at any age. However, some people are more likely than others to develop chronic kidney disease. You may have an increased risk if you:
- Have diabetes
- Have high blood pressure
- Have a family history of chronic kidney disease
- Are older
- Belong to a population group that has a high rate of diabetes or high blood pressure such as African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian, Pacific Islanders, and American Indians.
If you are at increased risk to develop chronic kidney disease, it is important to discuss this with your doctor. Your doctor will order the necessary blood and urine tests.
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