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Kidney Failure Symptoms
Kidney failure symptoms are many and varied.
Individuals with mild or moderate kidney failure may show few symptoms, inspite of increased urea in their blood.
Initially, symptoms may develop slowly. This is particularly true in the case of chronic kidney failure.
Typically, symptoms of chronic kidney failure develop slowly. Most kidney failure symptoms are not apparent in the early stages. In most cases, only when kidney diseases has progressed significantly that the symptoms of kidney failure
begin to manifest.
The symptoms of acute kidney failure would normally be manifested sooner.
This happens because acute kidney failure is temporary and normally short term.
As a result signs of kidney failure develop much faster than is the case with
chronic kidney disease.
There are several symptoms of both acute and chronic kidney failure. If kidney failure is mild or moderate, symptoms may include frequent
urination during the night and high blood pressure. In more severe
cases, kidney failure symptoms may include:
- Anemia. One of the key functions of the kidneys is to assist with
the production of red blood cells. The kidneys are responsible for producing a
hormone called erythropoietin. This is the hormone which stimulates red blood
cell production. If kidney disease causes damage or shrinking of the kidneys,
the production of red blood cells is affected.
- Hypertension or high blood pressure. This is one of the key kidney
failure symptoms. Hypertension is caused by the retention of fluids and wastes
in the bloodstream. This increases blood volume, which in turn causes blood
pressure to rise.
Hypertension is not only a sign of kidney failure but could also be a cause of
kidney failure. The kidneys play an important role in regulating blood
pressure. If blood pressure is constantly high this puts additional stress on
the kidneys and eventually damages them. In this respect, hypertension is not
only a symptom but also a cause of kidney failure.
- Headaches. High blood pressure may trigger headaches.
- Bone and joint problems. The kidneys produce vitamin D, which aids
in the absorption of calcium and keeps bones strong. The bones of patients
with kidney failure may become brittle. The growth of children with kidney
failure may be also stunted. Joint pain may also occur as a result of
unchecked phosphate levels in the blood.
- Lower back pain in the area where the kidneys are located.
- Edema. Puffiness or swelling around the eyes, arms, hands, and
feet.
- Foamy or bloody urine. Protein in the urine may cause it to foam a
lot. Blood in the urine may indicate that there is bleeding from the kidneys
as a result of kidney disease or obstructed kidneys, bladder, or ureters.
- Increase fatigue. Toxic substances in the blood and the presence of
anemia may cause feelings of exhaustion or tiredness.
- Itching. Phosphorus, which is typically eliminated in the urine,
accumulates in the blood of patients with kidney failure. The build up of
phosphorus levels may cause the skin to itch.
- Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Urea in the
gastric juices may cause upset stomach. This can lead to malnutrition and
weight loss.
- Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth. Urea or waste products in the
saliva may cause an ammonia-like taste in the mouth.
Kidney failure symptoms outlined above are not only uncomfortable but can
adversely affect the lifestyle of patients. It is, therefore, important to have
an early diagnosis and proper treatment of kidney failure.
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