RENAL FAILURE

Kidney Failure

Kidney or renal failure occurs whenever your kidneys do not function as they should. This can mean that your kidneys are not receiving an adequate amount of blood to filter, or that there has been damage to your kidney due to an injury or disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or polycystic kidney disease. Kidney stones can also lead to a blockage that might result in kidney failure.

Symptoms of Kidney Failure

In its early stages, renal failure may not produce any symptoms. Other times, you may experience lethargy, a loss of appetitite, fatigue, shortness of breath, and a loss of appetite. Since these symptoms are very broad, you may not think of them as being related to your kidneys. It is not unusual for acute kidney failure to be discovered only after having laboratory tests for another ailment.

Signs of Kidney Failure

If you are experiencing acute kidney failure, you may have a decreased urine output or find it difficult to urinate. Fluid retention may then cause swelling in the hands, legs, ankles, or feet. Itching of the skin, fever, rash, or red (bloody urine) may also develop. In severe cases, kidney failure can result in heart rhythm disturbances. It is important to remember that diagnosis of kidney failure requires lab tests to confirm.