Symptoms of kidney failure
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Symptoms of Kidney Failure
Common Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose function. Symptoms often do not appear until the disease is advanced. Common symptoms include tiredness, swollen ankles, feet or hands, shortness of breath, nausea, and blood in the urine. Additionally, patients may experience fatigue, weakness, pain, sleep disturbances, and itchy skin. As CKD progresses, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, lethargy, edema, disorientation, and loss of appetite may become more pronounced.
Symptom Burden in End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) represents the final stage of CKD, where kidney function is less than 15% of normal. Patients with ESRD often experience a high symptom burden, including fatigue, pruritus (itchy skin), constipation, anorexia, pain, sleep disturbances, anxiety, dyspnea (shortness of breath), nausea, restless legs, and depression. These symptoms are prevalent in patients undergoing dialysis and those who have discontinued dialysis.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Symptoms
Acute kidney injury (AKI), formerly known as acute renal failure, is characterized by a rapid loss of kidney function. Symptoms include the accumulation of urea and creatinine, decreased urine output, and fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Patients with AKI may also experience oliguria (reduced urine output), azotemia (high levels of nitrogen-containing compounds in the blood), and uremia (a condition involving abnormally high levels of waste products in the blood).
Symptoms Before and After Kidney Transplantation
Patients awaiting kidney transplantation often report being moderately to extremely bothered by fatigue, xeroderma (dry skin), muscle soreness, and pruritus. After transplantation, there is typically an improvement in symptoms, with significant reductions in pruritus and fatigue within the first three months post-transplantation.
Complications and Additional Symptoms
In both acute and chronic kidney failure, several complications can arise. In acute conditions, high blood potassium levels, volume overload, and uremia are common, while chronic conditions may lead to high blood pressure, anemia, and heart disease. Other symptoms of kidney failure include anemia, hyperproteinemia (high levels of protein in the blood), insomnia, parageusia (bad taste in the mouth), seizures, and hyperpigmentation.
Conclusion
Kidney failure, whether acute or chronic, presents a wide range of symptoms that significantly impact patients' quality of life. Early detection and management of these symptoms are crucial to improving patient outcomes. Regular monitoring and proactive symptom management can help alleviate the burden of kidney failure and enhance the overall well-being of affected individuals.
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