How to Recognise Kidney Failure: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
What is kidney failure?
When kidney failure (also called renal failure) occurs, the kidneys are unable to filter waste products from the blood. Over time, dangerous levels of wastes may accumulate in the body. Which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Significant damage to your nephrons may reduce your kidney function. Doctors diagnose chronic kidney failure if lack of function persists for more than 3 months.
Stages of kidney failure
There are 5 stages of kidney disease based on how well the kidneys can filter waste out of the blood. This is measured by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The stages of kidney disease are based on the eGFR number:
Stage 1
Stage 1 kidney disease means you have mild kidney damage and an eGFR of 90 or greater. This means your kidneys are healthy and working well แทงบอล UFABET ราคาดีที่สุด ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ but you have other signs of kidney damage, such as protein in your urine or physical damage to your kidneys.
Stage 2
Stage 2 kidney disease refers to mild kidney damage and an eGFR between 60 and 89. This means that like in Stage 1, your kidneys are generally healthy and working well but there are other signs to indicate kidney damage such as protein in the urine or physical damage to the kidneys.
Stage 3
Stage 3 kidney disease is divided into 2 stages. Stage 3a refers to an eGFR between 45 and 59 while stage 3b means you have an eGFR between 30 and 44. People with Stage 3 kidney disease usually do not have any symptoms. There may also be other health complications as waste build-ups in the body, high blood pressure, anaemia and bone disease.
Stage 4
Stage 4 kidney disease indicates an eGFR between 15 and 29. This means that the kidneys are moderately or severely damaged. Many people with stage 4 disease have symptoms such as swelling in the hands and feet, back pain, and urinating more or less than normal. People with Stage 4 disease should also begin discussing about preparing for kidney failure with their doctor.
Stage 5
Stage 5 disease means the eGFR is less than 15. This means the kidney are getting very close to failure or have completely failed. Once kidney failure occurs, kidney dialysis or a kidney transplant is need.
What causes chronic kidney failure?
Kidney failure can be attributed to several causes.
- Certain diseases
- Exposure to environmental pollutants or certain medications
- Severe dehydration
- Kidney injury
Diabetes
Diabetes is by far the common cause of chronic kidney failure. In fact, in 2013, over 60% of kidney failure patients who required dialysis were diabetic.
When blood sugar binds to proteins, it makes them ‘sticky’. When blood sugar levels are high, there are more sticky proteins. These attach to the kidney filters, causing damage that results in an inability to filter toxins out of the body.
Glomerulonephritis
The second common cause of chronic kidney failure is an inflammation of the kidney filters, known as glomerulonephritis. This condition, which can affect all ages, is not preventable or curable. However, it can be controlled with medication. Examining the urine for blood and protein is the best way to detect it.
Autosomal polycystic kidney disease (APKD)
Finally, autosomal polycystic kidney disease (APKD) is an inherited condition that can subsequently result in chronic kidney failure. If a parent is affected by APKD, there is a 50% chance their child will also have it. Symptoms include high blood pressure in young individuals, and enlarged kidneys detected by examination of the stomach or by routine ultrasound examination. The most reliable clue to diagnosis is a strong family history of the disease.
Other causes of kidney failure
Several other factors may cause chronic kidney failure
- High blood pressure. Poorly controlled blood pressure damages blood vessels in the kidneys, causing them to not work well to remove wastes and extra fluid from the body.
- Interstitial nephritis. Inflammation of the kidney’s tubules and its surrounding structures.
- Urinary tract obstruction. Prolonged urinary tract obstruction due to conditions such as enlarged prostate, kidney and some cancers.
- Vesicoureteral reflux. A condition that causes urine to back up into the kidneys.
- Infection of the kidneys that is recurrent.
- Poisoning from heavy metals, such as lead or drugs that are toxic to the kidneys.