Kidney Failure: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods
Kidney failure is a condition in which the kidneys are unable to perform their functions adequately. The kidneys have vital functions such as eliminating waste products and excess fluids from the body, maintaining electrolyte balance, regulating blood pressure, and helping with the production of red blood cells. Kidney failure disrupts these functions and can lead to serious health problems.
What is Kidney Failure?
Kidney failure is a serious health condition that occurs when the kidneys cannot filter waste products and excess fluid properly. Acute kidney failure develops suddenly and is usually caused by dehydration, infection, or medication toxicity, while chronic kidney failure progresses slowly and results from long-term issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney diseases. Symptoms may include fatigue, loss of appetite, changes in urine output, swelling, and shortness of breath. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve medications, dietary changes, or methods like dialysis and kidney transplantation. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to slow down the progression of the disease.
Types of Kidney Failure
Kidney failure is mainly divided into two types: acute and chronic. Acute kidney failure develops suddenly and can often be reversed with treatment, while chronic kidney failure is a long-term, progressive disease that leads to permanent kidney damage.
Acute Kidney Failure (AKF)
- This is the sudden and rapid loss of kidney function.
- It is usually caused by infections, trauma, dehydration, blood loss, certain medications, or exposure to toxins.
- It can usually be reversed with early diagnosis and treatment.
- Symptoms include a decrease in urine output, swelling, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Chronic Kidney Failure (CKF)
- This is the progressive and permanent decline in kidney function.
- It is often caused by chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, glomerulonephritis (kidney inflammation), or polycystic kidney disease.
- The progression may be slow, and symptoms may not be noticeable for a long time.
- Symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, itching, changes in urine, swelling, and anemia.
Stages of Chronic Kidney Failure CKF is divided into 5 stages based on how much kidney function has been reduced:
- Stage 1: Kidney damage is present, but kidney function is normal or mildly reduced.
- Stage 2: Kidney function is mildly decreased.
- Stage 3: Kidney function is moderately reduced.
- Stage 4: Kidney function is severely reduced.
- Stage 5 (End-Stage Kidney Failure): The kidneys can no longer meet the body's needs. At this stage, dialysis or kidney transplantation is required.
In addition, there are other types of kidney failure based on the underlying causes:
- Prerenal Acute Kidney Failure: Caused by inadequate blood flow to the kidneys.
- Renal Acute Kidney Failure: Caused by direct damage to the kidneys.
- Postrenal Acute Kidney Failure: Caused by obstruction in the urinary tract.
What Causes Kidney Failure?
Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys are unable to perform their normal functions, and it can be caused by various factors. Here are the main causes of kidney failure:
Diabetes (Sugar Disease): High blood sugar gradually damages the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to impaired kidney function. This condition, known as diabetic nephropathy, can cause kidney failure.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Long-term high blood pressure damages the kidney vessels, reducing the kidneys' filtering capacity. Hypertension is one of the most common causes of kidney failure.
Kidney Stones: The formation of stones in the kidneys can block the urinary tract and prevent the kidneys from functioning properly. Over time, stones can damage kidney tissue.
Infections and Inflammations: Infections in the kidneys (e.g., pyelonephritis) or inflammatory diseases can negatively affect kidney function and, if left untreated for a long time, may lead to kidney failure.
Genetic Diseases: Genetic disorders such as polycystic kidney disease cause cysts to form in the kidneys, which impairs kidney function.
Medications and Toxins: Overuse of certain medications (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs) and toxic substances can damage the kidneys. Some medications can also have side effects that lead to kidney failure.
Acute Kidney Injury: Severe infections, blood loss, extreme dehydration, blockage of kidney vessels, or medications causing acute kidney injury can lead to kidney failure.
Damage to Kidney Blood Vessels: Diseases affecting kidney blood vessels can obstruct blood flow, impairing kidney function. Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) particularly affects circulation in the kidneys.
Excessive Alcohol and Smoking: Long-term alcohol and tobacco use can harm kidney health. Alcohol disrupts the fluid balance in the kidneys, while smoking narrows blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the kidneys.
Kidney Tumors and Cancer: Kidney cancer and similar diseases can damage the kidneys, leading to kidney failure.
Kidney failure can lead to serious health problems if not detected early. Therefore, maintaining kidney health through regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle is important.
Symptoms of Kidney Failure
The symptoms of kidney failure can vary depending on the stage and type of the disease. In the early stages, symptoms may be mild, including fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, changes in urine output (either increase or decrease), and swelling, particularly in the legs and around the eyes. In more advanced stages, more severe symptoms like shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating, itching, muscle cramps, blood or foam in the urine, high blood pressure, and fatigue due to toxin buildup in the body may develop. Acute kidney failure can develop suddenly and severely, while chronic kidney failure progresses slowly, with symptoms worsening over time. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for early diagnosis and treatment if any of these symptoms occur.
How is Kidney Failure Treated?
Treatment methods for kidney failure can vary depending on the stage and type of the disease. Acute kidney failure is generally reversible with treatment, while chronic kidney failure requires more complex and long-term management. Here are the treatment methods for kidney failure:
1. Treatment of Acute Kidney Failure:
Acute kidney failure can often be reversed with treatment. The following treatments can be used:
- Fluid and Electrolyte Balance: Imbalances of fluids and electrolytes in the body, caused by the kidneys' inability to eliminate enough fluid, are corrected.
- Dialysis: If the kidneys cannot remove waste products and excess fluids, the patient may undergo hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
- Medication: If acute kidney failure is caused by infection, poisoning, or medication, appropriate medications are used to treat the underlying condition.
- Treating the Underlying Cause: The cause of acute kidney failure needs to be addressed (e.g., infection treatment, dehydration treatment, regulating blood pressure).
2. Treatment of Chronic Kidney Failure:
Chronic kidney failure is a progressive disease and requires long-term management. Treatment methods include:
- Medications: Various medications are used to protect kidney function and slow disease progression. These medications help lower blood pressure, control blood sugar levels, and protect the kidneys.
- ACE inhibitors and ARBs are commonly used to protect kidney function.
- Diuretics (water pills) help control fluid retention.
- Erythropoietin is used to treat anemia in patients with kidney failure.
- Diet and Lifestyle Changes: A low-protein diet, limited salt, and potassium intake are recommended for kidney failure patients. Regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle can also improve kidney health.
Kidney Transplant
A kidney transplant involves placing a healthy kidney from a donor into a patient with kidney failure. This treatment is typically a last resort for patients whose kidney function has completely deteriorated, and they are dependent on dialysis. Kidney transplants can improve the quality of life and increase the lifespan of people with kidney failure.
Kidney Transplant Process:
1. Selecting Suitable Candidates for Kidney Transplant:
- Patients with chronic kidney failure may be suitable candidates for a kidney transplant. However, some patients may not be eligible due to other health issues. Candidates should have healthy organs, controlled infection risks, and be psychologically prepared for the transplant.
2. Donor Selection: There are two types of kidney donors:
- Living Donor: A family member or close person may donate a healthy kidney. Kidneys from living donors generally have a higher transplant success rate.
- Deceased Donor: A kidney may be transplanted from a person who has been brain-dead. In this case, a suitable kidney needs to be found. Compatibility between the donor and the recipient is essential. Compatibility is usually determined by tissue matching (HLA testing) and blood group matching.
3. Kidney Transplant Surgery:
- During the transplant, the new kidney is placed in the patient’s abdomen. The old kidneys are usually left in place, and the non-functional kidneys are not removed. The surgery is done under general anesthesia and can take several hours.
4. Post-Surgery Recovery:
- After the transplant, patients are monitored in the hospital for a period. The recovery process can take several weeks. Patients must take immunosuppressive medications to prevent the body from rejecting the new kidney, as the body may treat the new kidney as a foreign object. These medications help prevent kidney rejection but can make it more difficult for the immune system to fight infections.
Advantages of Kidney Transplant
- Improved Quality of Life: Kidney transplants allow patients to discontinue dialysis and become more active in daily life.
- Longer Lifespan: Compared to other treatment methods (such as dialysis), kidney transplant patients generally have a longer lifespan.
- Fewer Limitations: After a transplant, patients are no longer bound by the restrictions of dialysis (e.g., diet, fluid intake, travel).
Dialysis Treatment
Dialysis is a vital treatment for patients with kidney failure. When the kidneys become damaged or lose function, they can no longer filter out waste products and excess fluids from the blood. Dialysis takes over this function, helping clean the blood and maintain the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance.
Goals of Dialysis Treatment:
- Remove waste products and toxins from the body
- Reduce swelling by removing excess fluid
- Maintain electrolyte balance
- Regulate blood pressure
- Alleviate symptoms caused by kidney failure
- Improve quality of life
Dialysis Treatment Methods:
There are two main types of dialysis:
Hemodialysis: In this method, the patient’s blood is drawn out of the body and passed through a dialysis machine. The machine filters the blood, removing waste products and excess fluids. The cleaned blood is then returned to the patient. Hemodialysis is usually performed 3 times a week for several hours per session.
Peritoneal Dialysis: In this method, a catheter is placed in the abdominal cavity. A special dialysis fluid is introduced into the abdominal cavity, which absorbs waste products and excess fluid from the blood through the abdominal lining. After several hours, the fluid is drained and replaced with fresh fluid. Peritoneal dialysis is typically performed more frequently and regularly compared to hemodialysis.
Who is Dialysis Treatment for?
Dialysis is generally applied to patients with kidney failure in the following situations:
- End-stage kidney failure
- Progressive kidney failure with worsening symptoms
- Acute kidney failure (temporarily)
- Emergency situations like high potassium levels
Side Effects of Dialysis Treatment:
Dialysis treatment can have some side effects, including infections, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, fatigue, anemia, and skin issues. However, these side effects are usually manageable and treatable.
Dialysis Treatment Process:
Dialysis treatment is a team effort. Nephrologists (kidney specialists), dialysis nurses, and other healthcare professionals closely monitor the patient’s condition and manage the treatment process. Dialysis can help improve the patient’s quality of life and extend their lifespan.
3. Treating the Underlying Cause
If kidney failure is caused by conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or kidney infections, treating these diseases is essential. For example:
- Managing Diabetes: Controlling blood sugar levels can slow the progression of kidney damage.
- Treating Hypertension: Regulating high blood pressure can help protect the kidneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of diet should individuals with kidney failure follow? P
eople with kidney failure should follow a special diet to protect kidney function. In this diet, sodium (salt) intake should be limited, and foods high in potassium and phosphorus (such as bananas, potatoes, milk, and cheese) should be carefully reduced. Additionally, protein intake should be restricted to reduce the burden on the kidneys. Low-sodium foods and low-potassium vegetables and fruits should be preferred. The patient's fluid intake may also be restricted according to the doctor's recommendations. These dietary adjustments can help reduce the burden on the kidneys and slow the progression of the disease.
Who is at risk for kidney failure?
The risk of developing kidney failure is higher in individuals with diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and a family history of kidney disease. The aging process can also lead to a decline in kidney function. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption are also significant risk factors for kidney diseases. Genetic factors play an important role in the development of kidney diseases; for example, genetic disorders like polycystic kidney disease can increase an individual's risk of kidney failure.
What can be done to prevent kidney failure?
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial in preventing kidney failure. Controlling diseases like diabetes and hypertension is a key step in protecting kidney health. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and not smoking can also reduce the risk of kidney diseases. Additionally, limiting alcohol consumption and having regular health check-ups to monitor kidney function can help detect and treat diseases in the early stages.
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
