10 Kidney Failure Symptoms
Kidney failure or end-stage renal disease occurs when the kidneys no longer function. It can be generally categorized into acute and chronic kidney failure.
Acute failure develops rapidly and can be caused by urinary tract blockage, low blood pressure, side effects of medications, hemolytic uremic syndrome, and muscle breakdown. Diagnosis is based on factors such as increased serum creatinine and decreased production of urine. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. It is estimated to affect about 3 per 1,000 individuals annually in the United States. Acute kidney failure is usually reversible.
Chronic kidney failure is long term and can be caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, polycystic kidney disease, and nephrotic syndrome. Diagnosis is made based on the glomerular filtration rate or the requirement of renal replacement therapy. Treatment generally involves hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or a kidney transplant. It has been estimated by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) that about 1 in 10 Americans has some degree of chronic kidney disease. A systematic review has found a consistent estimated global chronic kidney disease prevalence of 11 to 13 percent.
