Kidney Failure: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Symptoms

Causes of Kidney Failure

• Chronic kidney disease: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and family history are common risk factors.
• Acute kidney injury: Sudden damage to kidneys due to trauma, infection, or medication.
• Obstruction: Blockage in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones or tumors.
• Vascular disease: Reduced blood flow to the kidneys due to heart disease or atherosclerosis.
• Toxins: Exposure to heavy metals, solvents, or certain medications.

Diagnosis of Kidney Failure

• Blood tests: Evaluate kidney function through creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels.
• Urine tests: Analyze protein, blood, and other substances in the urine.
• Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans to visualize kidney structure and function.
• Biopsy: Tissue sample examination to determine kidney damage.

Treatment of Kidney Failure

• Medications: Control underlying conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and anemia.
• Lifestyle changes: Dietary modifications, fluid restriction, and stress management.
• Transplantation: Surgical replacement of a diseased kidney with a healthy one.
• Dialysis: Artificial filtration of waste products from the blood.

Dialysis

• Hemodialysis: Blood is filtered outside the body using a machine.
• Peritoneal dialysis: Waste products are removed from the blood through the abdominal cavity.
• Continuous renal replacement therapy: Slow, continuous dialysis for critically ill patients.

Symptoms of Kidney Failure

• Fatigue: Weakness and lack of energy due to anemia and waste buildup.
• Swelling: Fluid retention in the legs, ankles, and feet.
• Nausea and vomiting: Waste product accumulation in the blood.
• Itching and skin rash: Electrolyte imbalance and waste buildup.
• Pain: Back pain and flank pain due to kidney damage.
• Changes in urination: Decreased urine output, difficulty urinating, or frequent urination.