What Is Kidney Failure?

The kidneys are pair of organs located towards the lower back. One kidney is on each side of one’s spine. They filter the blood and remove toxins from the body. The kidneys send toxins to the bladder and the body later removes toxins during urination.

Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys lose the ability to filter waste from the blood sufficiently. Many factors can interfere with the kidney health and function, such as:
o Toxic exposure to environmental pollutants
o Certain acute and chronic diseases
o Severe dehydration
o Kidney trauma
The body becomes overloaded with toxins if the kidneys can’t do their regular job. This can lead to kidney failure and even be life-threatening if it’s left untreated.

What Causes Kidney Failure?

People who are most at risk for kidney failure usually suffer from one or more of the following causes:
Loss of Blood Flow to the Kidneys
A sudden loss of blood flow to your kidneys can prompt kidney failure. Some diseases and conditions that cause loss of blood flow to the kidneys include:
o A heart attack
o Heart disease
o Scarring of the liver or liver failure
o Dehydration
o A severe burn
o An allergic reaction
o A severe infection, such as sepsis
Blood pressure and anti-inflammatory medications can also limit blood flow.

Urine Elimination Problems

When the body can’t eliminate urine, toxins build up and overload the kidneys. Some cancers can block the urine passageways.
These include prostate (most common type in men), colon, cervical, and bladder cancers. Other conditions can interfere with urination and possibly lead to kidney failure, including:
o Kidney stones
o An enlarged prostate
o Blood clots within your urinary tract
o Damage to the nerves that control your bladder

Other Causes

Some diseases and conditions my lead to kidney failure, including:
o A blood clot in or around the kidneys
o Infection
o An overload of toxins from heavy metals
o Drugs and alcohol
o Vasculitis, which is an inflammation of blood vessels
o Lupus, which is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation of many body organs
o Glomerulonephritis, which is an inflammation of the small blood vessels of the kidneys
o Hemolytic uremic syndrome, which involves the breakdown red blood cells following a bacterial infection, usually of the intestines
o Multiple myeloma, which is a cancer of the plasma cells in your bone marrow
o Scleroderma, which is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin
o Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which is a disorder that causes blood clots in small vessels
o Chemotherapy drugs, which are medications that treat cancer and some autoimmune diseases
o Dyes used in some imaging test
o Certain antibiotics

What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Failure?

Many different symptoms can be signs of kidney failure. No symptoms are present sometimes, but usually someone with kidney failure will see a few signs of the disease. Possible symptoms include:
o A reduced amount of urine
o Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet from retention of fluids caused by the failure of the kidneys to eliminate water waste
o Unexplained shortness of breath
o Excessive drowsiness or fatigue
o Persistent nausea
o Confusion
o Pain or pressure in your chest
o Seizures
o A coma

How is Kidney Failure Diagnosed?

There are several tests that can be used to diagnosed kidney failure. These include:

- Urinalysis

A urine sample can be tested for any abnormalities, including abnormal protein or sugar that spills in the urine. Your doctor may perform a urinary sediment examination, which will measure the amount of red and white blood cells, look for high levels of bacteria, and search for high numbers of cellular casts.

- Urine Volume Measurements

Measuring urine output is one of the simplest tests to help diagnose kidney failure. For example, low urinary output may suggest that kidney disease is due to a urinary blockage, which can be caused by multiple illnesses or injuries.

- Blood samples

Samples of the blood are taken to measure substances that are filtered by the kidneys, such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr). A rapid rise in their levels may indicate acute kidney failure.

- Imaging

Tests such as ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans provide images of the kidneys themselves, along with the urinary tract. This allows your doctor to look for blockages or abnormalities in the kidneys.

- Kidney Tissue Sample

Tissue samples are examined for abnormal deposits, scarring, or infectious organisms. A kidney biopsy is used to collect the tissue sample. A biopsy is a simple procedure that’s performed, usually while the patient is awake. A local anesthetic is used to eliminate any discomfort. The sample is collected with a biopsy needle inserted into the skin and down into the kidney. X-ray or ultrasound equipment is used to locate the kidneys and assist the doctor in guiding the needle.

Treatment for Kidney Failure

There are several treatments for kidney failure, but the type of treatment needed will vary depending on the reason for the kidney failure. Your doctor can help you determine the best treatment option, which may include:

Dialysis

Dialysis filters and purifies the blood using a machine. It performs the function of the kidneys. Depending on the type of dialysis, you may be connected to a large machine or a portable catheter bag. A low-potassium, low-salt diet is often prescribed along with dialysis.
Dialysis doesn’t cure kidney failure, but it will extend the life of the patient if he/she goes to regular scheduled treatments.

Kidney Transplant

Another treatment option is a kidney transplant, but there’s usually a long wait to receive a donor kidney that’s compatible with a patient’s body. The advantages to a transplant are that the new kidney can work perfectly, and dialysis is no longer required. The disadvantage is that immunosuppressive drugs must be taken after surgery. These drugs have their own side effects, some of which are serious. Also, transplant surgery may fail and may even be life-threatening.