Renal failure is a clinical condition that can take two different forms: acute, when it occurs completely suddenly, or chronic, when it develops slowly over the course of at least three months. Acute kidney failure can cause chronic kidney failure. In both cases, the kidneys are unable to perform the functions necessary to keep the body healthy. Despite the similarities between the two conditions, the causes, symptoms and treatments are notably different. Knowing the symptoms and causes of this condition and being able to distinguish between the two can be very helpful if you or a loved one are diagnosed.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Recognizing the Symptoms of Kidney Failure
Step 1. Note any changes in your urine
Both forms of renal failure, acute or chronic, are often accompanied by an excess or absence of urine. Specifically, the chronic form is characterized by urinary incontinence and / or repeated urinary tract infections. Damage to the kidney tubules can cause a dysfunction called polyuria, which is an excessive production of urine, which usually occurs in the early stages of the disease. Chronic renal failure can also induce a decrease in urine, this usually occurs in the most advanced forms of the disease. Other possible urination disorders include:
- Proteinuria: when due to renal insufficiency there is a presence of proteins and red blood cells in the urine. In this case, the urine appears frothy.
- Hematuria: when the urine appears dark orange due to the presence of red blood cells.
Step 2. Notice the signs of sudden fatigue
One of the first symptoms of acute kidney failure is a feeling of exhaustion. The cause may be anemia, or a lack of oxygen in the body's tissues caused by an alteration of the red blood cells responsible for transporting it. When your body is poorly oxygenated, you feel cold and tired. The onset of anemia is attributable to the fact that the kidneys, in charge of producing the hormone erythropoietin (or EPO) that causes the bone marrow to produce red blood cells, are damaged and for this reason secrete less EPO, therefore less EPO is produced. number of red blood cells.
Step 3. Notice if you have any lumps anywhere on your body
Edema is the medical term for an accumulation of fluid in the body, a symptom that can occur in both forms of acute or chronic renal failure. When the kidneys stop working as they should, fluids begin to build up in the cells causing swelling. The parts of the body most affected are the hands, feet, legs and face.
Step 4. Contact your doctor if you feel mentally dull or dizzy
Poor concentration, dizziness and mental apathy can be symptoms of anemia caused by too few red blood cells reaching the brain.
Step 5. Notice any pain in your upper back, legs, or hips
Polycystic kidney syndrome (PKD) causes fluid-filled cysts to form in the kidneys and sometimes also in the liver; such cysts can be painful. The liquids accumulated in these cavities contain toxins that can damage the nerves of the lower extremities of the body, causing the onset of a neuropathy, or a dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves. In turn, neuropathy can induce pain in the lower back and legs.
Step 6. Shortness of breath, bad breath, or a metallic taste in the mouth are other symptoms to watch out for
When the kidneys start to get sick, metabolic wastes made up mostly of acids begin to accumulate in the body. The lungs then try to counteract this excessive acidity by expelling carbon dioxide through hyperventilation. This causes the feeling of not being able to catch your breath.
The fluid build-up may also affect the lungs, so you may have difficulty breathing normally. Because of the fluids, the lungs may struggle to expand properly during inspiration
Step 7. Notice if the skin suddenly becomes dry or very itchy
Chronic kidney failure causes intense itching due to a buildup of phosphorus in the blood. All foods contain a certain amount of phosphorus, but some in particular are richer in it than others, such as dairy products. When the kidneys are in perfect health they are able to filter and remove phosphorus from the body, but in a condition of chronic renal failure, it remains in the body causing the formation of crystals on the skin that are the origin of the itch.
Step 8. Remember that, in some cases, symptoms may only become recognizable at an advanced stage of the disease
This happens in particular with chronic renal failure: the disorders tend to occur only when the kidneys are no longer able to remove waste from the body or to guarantee the right balance of fluids.
Part 2 of 2: Identifying Risk Factors for Kidney Failure
Step 1. Understand what are the factors that can cause acute kidney failure
Both acute and chronic forms of the disease are frequently preceded by other health disorders. If you have any of the following conditions, try to pay close attention to the potential observable symptoms of kidney failure; if necessary, consult your doctor immediately to find out what is best to do:
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack);
- Blockage of the urinary tract
- Rhabdomyolysis (kidney damage caused by the breakdown of muscle cells);
- Hemolytic-uremic syndrome, abbreviated to HUS (obstruction of the small blood vessels inside the kidneys).
Step 2. Understand what are the most common causes of chronic kidney failure
If you see any of the symptoms attributed to kidney failure and have any of the following conditions, see your doctor promptly to find out what to do. Diseases that can lead to chronic kidney failure include:
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Hypertension or high blood pressure that has lasted for many years
- Chronic glomerulonephritis, which is the inflammation of the small filters of the kidneys (glomeruli);
- Some genetic diseases such as polycystic kidney, Alport syndrome or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE);
- Kidney stones;
- Reflux nephropathy (the reflux of urine into the kidneys).
Step 3. Understand how kidney failure is diagnosed
Both forms of the condition may require a variety of diagnostic tests, including blood tests, ultrasound, uroflowmetry, urinalysis, and kidney biopsy.
Warnings
- Go to the emergency room immediately if you experience or have experienced any of the symptoms mentioned above.
- The doctor is the only one who can make a truly accurate diagnosis.
