SN ALLEN F.

ROJAS

What is Renal Failure?

Renal failure is a serious medical condition affecting the kidneys. When a person suffers from renal failure, their kidneys are not functioning properly or no longer work at all. Renal failure can be a progressive disease or a temporary one depending on the cause and available treatment options.

Kidneys
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs that lie

on either side of the spine in the lower middle of the back. Each kidney weighs about pound and contains approximately one million filtering units called nephrons. Each nephron is made of a glomerulus and a tubule. The glomerulus is a miniature filtering or sieving device while the tubule is a tiny tube like structure attached to the glomerulus.

Kidneys
The kidneys are connected to the urinary bladder by

tubes called ureters. Urine is stored in the urinary bladder until the bladder is emptied by urinating. The bladder is connected to the outside of the body by another tube like structure called the urethra.

Kidneys
The main function of the kidneys is to remove waste

products and excess water from the blood. The kidneys process about 200 liters of blood every day and produce about two liters of urine. The waste products are generated from normal metabolic processes including the breakdown of active tissues, ingested foods, and other substances. The kidneys allow consumption of a variety of foods, drugs, vitamins and supplements, additives, and excess fluids without worry that toxic by-products will build up to harmful levels.

Kidneys
The kidney also plays a major role in regulating levels

of various minerals such as calcium, sodium, and potassium in the blood.

Kidneys
The kidneys also produce certain hormones that have important functions in the body, including the following:
Active form of vitamin D (calcitriol or 1,25 dihydroxy-vitamin

D), which regulates absorption of calcium and phosphorus from foods, promoting formation of strong bone.
Erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates the bone marrow to

produce red blood cells.

Renin, which regulates blood volume and blood pressure.

Classifications of Renal Failure

Acute Kidney Failure
Chronic Kidney Failure

Acute Kidney Failure

Acute kidney failure occurs when the kidneys suddenly stop working. Often this condition is temporary. The cause may be disease, serious injury, poisons or chemicals in the system. Dialysis treatment supports the patient while the kidneys recover. In some cases acute kidney failure may progress to chronic kidney failure and require dialysis or kidney transplant.

Causes of AKD
Dehydration
Infection Serious injury to kidneys

Chronic use of OTC pain medications

Symptoms of Renal Failure

Swelling
Weakness, fatigue, feeling cold, shortness of breath Poor concentration and trouble sleeping

Changes in urination
Rash or itchy, dry skin Metallic taste in your mouth, loss of appetite, nausea cramped, or sore legs

Swelling
When kidneys are failing, excess fluid builds up in the body and can lead to a condition known as edema, which is swelling in the hands, ankles, feet, or face (especially around the eyes, when you just wake up). Fluid can also collect in the lungs, which may cause shortness of breath.

Weakness, fatigue, feeling cold, shortness of breath

Kidney damage can slow down production of a hormone called erythropoeitin, which leads to a low red blood cell count. This causes anemia, a common and treatable complication of kidney disease that can make you feel tired very quickly.

Poor concentration and trouble sleeping

Anemia can prevent your brain from getting enough oxygen, which can lead to difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, and dizziness.

Changes in urination
Your kidneys make urine, so kidney disease can cause urine to change. Urination problems include foamy or bloody urine, more or less urine than usual, a change in how often you urinate, or pressure or difficulty urinating.

Rash or itchy, dry skin

Kidneys remove waste from the bloodstream, so when kidneys fail, the buildup of waste in your bloodstream can cause skin rashes or severe itching.

Metallic taste in your mouth, loss of appetite, nausea

Buildup of waste in the blood (called uremia) can make food taste different or cause bad breath, which can lead to a loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, and weight loss.

Restless, cramped, or sore legs

Build up of waste products can cause nerve damage which may cause restless leg syndrome.

Chronic Kidney Failure

Chronic renal failure is more serious than acute renal failure because symptoms may not appear until the kidneys are extremely damaged. Chronic renal failure can be caused by other long term diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Chronic renal failure can worsen over time, especially when the problem has gone undiagnosed and treatment is delayed.

Causes of CKD
High blood pressure
Diabetes

End Stage Kidney Failure

Transplanted kidneys
Dialysis Peritoneal Dialysis Hemodialysis

Prevention of Renal Failure

Stop smoking. Eat a healthy diet. Eat food that is fresh and low in salt.

Avoid fatty foods and ask your dietitian for advice. Monitor cholesterol. If the level of cholesterol (fat) in your blood is too high despite a good diet, you may need to take extra drugs to lower the level. Exercise regularly and moderately. This keeps your heart and muscles strong and healthy. Discuss your exercise program with your doctor first. Check your blood pressure regularly. High blood pressure will continue to damage your kidneys and put strain on the heart and other blood vessels. Your doctor may prescribe drugs to bring it down.