Kidney failure is a condition in which the kidneys fail to perform their normal functions. The kidneys filter waste products and excess water from the body, maintain electrolyte balance, regulate blood pressure, control the production of red blood cells, and maintain the body's acid-base balance. Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys are unable to perform these tasks.
Kidney failure can be acute or chronic. Acute kidney failure develops suddenly and is often associated with conditions such as illness, infection, or trauma. Chronic kidney failure, on the other hand, develops over time, typically over years, as a result of progressive damage to the kidneys. Common causes of chronic kidney failure include diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, and hereditary kidney diseases.
Symptoms of kidney failure can vary from person to person and are often dependent on the progression of the disease. These may include fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, bad breath, decreased urine output, high blood pressure, swelling (especially in the ankles, legs, or eyes), itching, and shortness of breath.
Treatment for kidney failure varies depending on the underlying causes. Treatment options may include medications, dietary changes, fluid restriction, dialysis (a process that mimics kidney function by filtering blood through a machine), or kidney transplantation. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent the progression of kidney failure and improve quality of life.
