Kidneys are the paired bean-shaped organs situated in the lower back of the human body. The primary function of the kidney is to filter the blood and remove harmful toxins. The kidney helps to pass the toxins and waste in the form of urine.  In kidney dysfunction, one or both the kidneys fail to perform their job of blood filtration leading to the accumulation of toxins. As a result, toxins get accumulated in the body, giving rise to Kidney Failure also known as End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).  Kidney failure may be Acute or Chronic. Acute kidney failure occurs when the kidney suddenly stops working. Chronic kidney failure usually occurs over a period of time. Kidney failure can be a life-threatening disease. Treatment depends upon the severity of the disease. A proper well-curated treatment plan according to the disease severity can yield a better prognosis.

 

Symptoms

  • In the initial stage of chronic kidney failure, patients remain generally asymptomatic. With the advancement of the disease, the following symptoms may appear:
  • Decreased or increased urine output
  • Unexplained fatigue, nausea, vomiting, breathlessness.
  • Itching, muscle cramps.
  • Generalised body swelling specifically in limbs due to fluid retention
  • Pain in the chest area
  • Seizures, coma.

 

Causes Of Kidney Failure

Kidneys are affected by the disease or illness present in other parts of the body.  Over a period of time, they may cause irreversible damage. As a result, the functions of the kidney slow down or stop completely. Following are the common diseases associated with kidney failure:

  • Uncontrolled diabetes.
  • High blood pressure
  • Autoimmune diseases such as IgA nephropathy, lupus.
  • Nephrotic syndrome.
  • Heart diseases like heart attacks aggravate kidney dysfunctions.
  • Liver scarring.

 

Diagnostic Tests

  • Blood Test: To look for the level of waste products like blood urea nitrogen and creatinine in the blood. An increase in the level indicates kidney dysfunction.
  • Urinalysis: Analysing the urine sample may reveal abnormalities causing kidney disease.
  • Imaging:  Tests like ultrasound, MRIs, and CT scans provide images of the kidney’s structure, size, shape which help to rule out abnormalities.
  • Kidney Biopsy: Collecting a tissue sample from the kidney to look for the unusual deposits.

 

Treatment

Treatment for kidney failure primarily depends upon the cause and severity of the disease.

Dialysis: In simple words, a dialysis is a machine that does the job of the kidney. A dialysis machine filters and purifies the blood. According to the type of disease, dialysis may be of different types. Dialysis is not a permanent cure for the disease; it is a supportive unit.

Kidney Transplant: It involves surgical placement of a healthy kidney obtained from a donor. Immunosuppressant drugs are prescribed to prevent the rejection of new organs in the body.

A kidney transplant may not be the correct option for everyone. 

Conservative Methods: Few lifestyle modifications like;

  • Limiting alcohol consumption.
  • Dietary changes include- Limiting sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.
  • Limit intake of dietary proteins.
  • Good control of diabetes and hypertension.
  • Taking prescribed medications religiously.

 

These can certainly decrease the progression of the disease and prevent kidney failure to become severe. Kidney failure can be a life-threatening disease. Treatment depends upon the severity of the disease. A proper well-curated treatment plan according to the disease severity can yield a good prognosis. It is always better to get a second opinion before proceeding with treatment.