Let’s see what happens if your kidneys fail ? The kidneys are a pair of vital organs located in the back of the abdomen. They are responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood and eliminating them from the body through urine. When the kidneys fail, waste and fluids can build up in the body, leading to serious health problems.
Symptoms of Kidney Failure (what happens if your kidneys fail)
The symptoms of kidney failure may vary, depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms of kidney failure may include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty sleeping
- Muscle cramps and twitching
- Swelling in the feet and ankles
- Dry, itchy skin
- Difficulty concentrating
- Shortness of breath
In severe cases, kidney failure can lead to coma or death.
Causes of Kidney Failure
There are several things that can cause the kidneys to fail. These include:
- Diabetes: Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney damage.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure can also damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney failure.
- Glomerulonephritis: This is an inflammation of the kidneys that can lead to kidney damage and kidney failure.
- Polycystic kidney disease: This is a genetic disorder that causes fluid-filled cysts to form in the kidneys. These cysts can grow and eventually damage the kidneys.
Other possible causes of kidney failure include kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and kidney injuries.
Treatment of Kidney Failure
Treatment of kidney failure will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. If the cause is reversible, treatment may involve addressing the underlying cause, such as controlling diabetes or lowering blood pressure. If the cause is not reversible, treatment may involve dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Dialysis is a medical treatment that filters waste and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys are not able to do so. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis involves using a machine to filter the blood, while peritoneal dialysis involves using the lining of the abdomen to filter the blood. Dialysis can help improve symptoms of kidney failure, but it is not a cure.
A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure in which a healthy kidney is transplanted into a person with kidney failure. The success rate for kidney transplants is high, and many people who receive a transplant are able to lead normal lives after the procedure. However, the availability of donor kidneys is limited, and not everyone who needs a transplant is able to receive one.
Conclusion
Kidney failure is a serious condition that occurs when the kidneys are unable to function properly. Symptoms of kidney failure may include fatigue, loss of appetite, and dry, itchy skin. Causes of kidney failure may include diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney diseases. Treatment may involve dialysis or a kidney transplant.