How To Identify Symptoms Of Kidney Failure

Kidney failure is an extremely serious kidney problem. It may even be fatal. Once kidney failure has occurred, you face either kidney dialysis for the rest of your life, or a kidney transplant operation.

Symptoms of kidney failure often go undetected in the early stages. But they tend to appear first in the body's chemistry as problems arise in regulating electrolyte balances. The kidneys also begin eliminating excess fluids and filtering out toxins less efficiently. These are two of the kidneys' major bodily functions. As function slips away, the kidneys also do less to help in the production of red blood cells (which is another important role they play).

The longer these problems go untreated, the more the patient is likely to experience the following symptoms of kidney failure:

*a lack of energy,

*a general feeling of weakness,

*frequent dyspnea (shortness of breath),

*swelling in various areas of the body.

Why It's Important to Recognize Kidney Failure Symptoms

When the symptoms of kidney failure aren't recognized, the following consequences may result:

Improper potassium excretion - The heart may also be in danger due to the inability to excrete potassium. Rising potassium levels can lead to fatal heart rhythm problems.

A lack of red blood cells - Red blood cells bring oxygen to tissues and organs. Without it, they can't function efficiently, contributing to fatigue and weakness.

Metabolic acidosis - Your body doesn't manufacture enough bicarbonate, causing higher levels of acidity in your system. When this happens, enzyme and oxygen metabolism is affected, which advances kidney dysfunction.

Uremia - Urea is the primary solid component in urine. It is a waste chemical produced during the digestion of protein. The kidneys filter urea from our blood and it leaves the body in our urine. When urea levels rise, certain muscle, heart and brain functions may be compromised, leading to the following symptoms of kidney failure:.

*decreased interest in food

*low energy levels and even extreme fatigue,

*decreased mental and cognitive abilities.

By this time, kidney function has become so compromised that the patient may slip into a coma.

At this stage of kidney failure, your body has to fight off numerous challenges. Excess fluid builds up and causes increased blood pressure. The risk of congestive heart failure also rises dramatically. Breathing becomes extremely rapid as the body fights to get enough oxygen.

For the patient to survive at this point, medical intervention is critical.

By: GPMCK

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

George McKenzie is a former TV news anchor, medical reporter and radio talk show host.