What is kidney failure and are there symptoms that indicate it is occurring, and can kidney deterioration be reduced?

What is kidney failure?

Kidney failure is a chronic disease that occurs when the kidneys stop working, leading to the inability to perform the main functions of the kidneys. This may occur as a result of some diseases that affect the functioning of the kidneys, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and sometimes it may be a temporary condition and the kidneys return to work again, but the most common is chronic kidney failure, for which there is no treatment other than performing dialysis sessions or resorting to a kidney transplant.

What are the symptoms of kidney failure?

There are many important symptoms that indicate kidney failure, but unfortunately these symptoms appear after the degree of failure usually reaches the third stage, including the following: 

• A severe decrease in the amount of urine excreted by the body.
• Severe nausea and vomiting. 
• A decrease in appetite, leading to unexplained weight loss.
• General fatigue, weakness, and inability to exert effort
• Muscle contracture. 
• Edema and swelling resulting from fluid retention, especially in the ankle and leg area. 
• Severe itching in the body due to the high level of phosphorus in it. 
• Low levels of iron in the body and severe anemia. 

Causes of kidney failure

The causes of kidney failure are very numerous, as it usually occurs as a result of some diseases that affect the normal functioning of the kidneys. However, these diseases usually take a period of time to stop kidney function, but they are among the risk factors. If you are afflicted with any of them, you should continue to follow up with your doctor. Among these diseases are the following: 

• Having diabetes. 
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Prostate enlargement without treatment.
• Recurring kidney stones.
• Urinary bladder cancer.
• Kidney cancer. 
• Kidney infection. 

There are some rheumatic diseases that are closely related to kidney failure, including lupus, scleroderma, or vasculitis. 

Partial or complete blockage occurs in the artery that supplies blood to the kidneys. 

As for the factors causing chronic kidney failure other than previous diseases, they are many, including: 

• Heart disease. 
• التدخين. 
• Severe obesity and its accompanying high blood pressure and increased cholesterol levels. 
• The presence of some hereditary diseases in the family, most notably kidney cysts. 

What are the types of kidney failure? 

It is a condition in which severe deterioration of kidney tissue occurs, leading to a complete or partial cessation of kidney activity and loss of its ability to filter toxins from the blood. There are two types of it: 

1. Acute kidney failure: This type of failure is among the types that are curable, and it occurs when the kidney tissue is exposed to sudden and comprehensive damage. It can be temporary, and dialysis sessions are resorted to in order to reactivate the kidneys again. It may occur as a result of preeclampsia, exposure to accidents, or cardiac catheterization, but sometimes it may become chronic. 
2. Chronic renal failure/End stage renal disease Chronic: This type occurs as a result of damage to the kidney tissue, but gradually, which results in it stopping working permanently. Please be aware that there is no treatment for this type of failure other than filtration sessions or resorting to a kidney transplant, but it should be known that the duration of the failure’s development varies depending on the extent of the kidney damage, the patient’s health status, his ability to maintain and follow up with treatment, and the body’s response.

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How can kidney failure be diagnosed?

The disease can be diagnosed through a number of methods, including laboratory and radiological tests Book your consultation now at Kidney Disease Center At Al Mousa Specialist HospitalDiagnosis includes the following:

فحوصات الدم

• It is performed to measure the levels of certain substances in the blood, such as creatinine and urea, which indicate the ability of the kidneys to get rid of waste. 
• Through it, electrolyte levels can be determined and metabolic acidosis, which may indicate the presence of kidney failure, can be detected.

Urine tests

• It is used to detect the presence of abnormal substances in the urine such as protein, sugar, blood, or white blood cells, which indicate kidney damage.
• The amount of urine produced within 24 hours is measured to check for decreased urine production, which is an indicator of kidney failure.
• In addition, urine collection may be requested for 24 hours to determine how efficiently the kidneys are eliminating waste.

الفحوصات التصويرية

• These tests (such as x-rays, ultrasound, or MRI) are used to examine the structure of the kidneys and determine if there are blockages or structural problems affecting kidney function.

Other tests

• In some cases, specialized tests may be required, such as urine density measurement or arterial blood gas analysis, to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the condition.
• The doctor also conducts a comprehensive clinical examination of the patient and evaluates the medical history to determine the possible factors that contributed to the occurrence of kidney failure.

Is it possible to recover from kidney failure?

Yes, it is possible to recover from it in some cases, and this depends on the type of failure and the extent of the damage to the kidneys, and this can be divided as follows:

• Acute kidney failure: It is possible for the patient to completely recover from acute kidney failure if it is detected early and the underlying cause is treated quickly. Common causes include dehydration, urinary obstruction, or exposure to medications that are toxic to the kidneys. Treatment may include replacing intravenous fluids, removing the blockage, or stopping taking harmful medications.
• Chronic kidney failure: This type usually does not heal completely because it leads to permanent damage to kidney tissue, but the progression of the disease can be slowed by controlling the causative diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and following a kidney-healthy diet (low in sodium, protein, and phosphorus).
• Treatment options close to recovery: Kidney transplantation is the ideal option to restore normal kidney function in patients with terminal failure. Stem cell therapy is still under research, but it is promising for repairing damaged kidney tissue in the future.

How can kidney failure be treated?

Treatment of failure depends on its type (acute or chronic), its cause, the degree of deterioration of kidney function, as well as the general state of health of the patient. The following are the most important treatment methods:

Medical medical treatment

It is used to treat complications associated with kidney failure and to improve kidney function in some cases:

• Blood pressure-regulating medications: such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs, which may help slow the progression of chronic kidney failure.

• Phosphate and calcium lowering medications: to reduce complications of mineral accumulation in blood vessels and bones.

Dialysis

It is a life-saving procedure for many patients with terminal failure, and is performed when the kidneys lose more than 85-90% of their functions:

• Blood dialysis: An “artificial kidney” device is used to purify the blood from toxins and waste. The patient usually needs to sit for 3-4 hours, 3 times a week.

Kidney transplant

It is considered the ideal option for treating terminal renal failure if a suitable donor is available:

• The damaged kidney is replaced with a healthy kidney from a living or brain-dead donor.
• After the transplant, the patient needs lifelong immunosuppressive medications to prevent organ rejection.

Modifying lifestyle and nutrition

Nutrition plays an essential role in managing the disease and reducing the burden on the kidneys:

• Restriction of sodium, potassium and phosphorus: to reduce high blood pressure and accumulation of harmful minerals.

• Protein control: Reducing protein in the diet may be recommended to reduce the load on the kidneys.
• Fluid monitoring: especially in cases of decreased urine output.
• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol, and do light exercise under medical supervision.

Treating the underlying cause (in acute kidney failure)

In the case of acute kidney failure, treatment focuses on treating the main cause:

• Repair obstruction in the urinary tract.
• Treating severe dehydration or infection.
• Stop taking medications that are toxic to the kidneys.

Herbal remedies (with caution and scientific investigation)

Some plants are used as aids in supporting kidney function, but they are not considered a substitute for traditional treatments:

• Milk thistle herb: to support the liver and kidneys.
• Astragalus plant: It is believed to improve blood flow to the kidneys and enhance their performance

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Stages of kidney failure

The stages of the disease are classified into five main stages based on the glomerular filtration rate, which is an indicator that measures the extent of the kidney’s efficiency in purifying the blood. Each stage reflects the degree of deterioration of kidney function and the appropriate treatment plan. Below we mention the most important of these stages in detail:

Stage 1: Kidney function is normal or nearly normal with damage

Glomerular filtration rate: 90 ml/min. No obvious symptoms appear, but there may be evidence of kidney damage, such as the presence of protein or blood in the urine. The goal here is to prevent the development of the disease through a healthy lifestyle and careful monitoring.

Stage 2: A slight decrease in kidney function

Glomerular filtration rate: 60 - 89 ml/min, and the kidneys are still working well, but there are indications of a kidney problem (such as structural abnormalities or the presence of protein in the urine), and the focus is on controlling associated diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Stage 3: Moderate decline in kidney function

It is divided into stage 3a: 45 - 59 ml/min and stage 3b: 30 - 44 ml/min. Symptoms may begin to appear, such as anemia, bone disorders, and general fatigue. This stage requires regular medical follow-up and sometimes the start of treatment for some complications.

Stage 4: Severe decline in kidney function

Glomerular filtration rate: 15 - 29 ml/min. The kidneys are severely damaged, and more pronounced symptoms may appear such as nausea, edema (swelling), high blood pressure, and shortness of breath, and preparations begin for definitive treatment options such as dialysis or kidney transplantation.

Stage five: terminal renal failure

The glomerular filtration rate is 15 ml/min, the kidneys are no longer able to perform their vital functions, and the patient needs dialysis (hemodialysis or abdominal dialysis), or a kidney transplant to survive.

Complications of kidney failure

When kidney function deteriorates, a number of serious complications may occur, including the following:

• Fluid retention and swelling of the extremities: due to poor fluid excretion, which leads to swelling of the hands and legs and even pulmonary edema.
• High blood pressure: the result of sodium and fluid retention in the body.
• Anemia: due to decreased production of the hormone erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells.
• Electrolyte disorders: such as high potassium and phosphorus, and low calcium, which affects the heart and muscles.
• Heart disease: Increased risk of heart attacks and heart failure.
• Neurological problems: headache, confusion, and may lead to coma in severe cases.
• Weak bones: as a result of a disturbance in the balance of calcium and phosphorus, leading to osteoporosis.
• Dry and itchy skin: the result of toxins accumulating and not getting rid of them adequately.
• Digestive problems: such as loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.

اسئلة شائعة 

Is it possible to recover from kidney failure?

The answer to this question depends on the type of kidney failure that the patient suffers from. If he suffers from acute kidney failure, he can be cured based on the cause that led to it and the method of treatment used. As for chronic kidney failure, it is difficult to recover from. It is the last stage of kidney disease and there is no cure for it. However, the patient goes through five stages before reaching the dialysis stage, and these can be postponed according to the treatment plan, the body’s response, and the nutritional plan. However, in reality, there is no medicine that cures chronic kidney failure. 

How long does a kidney failure patient live?

It is difficult to determine a specific period of time for a patient who suffers from kidney failure, as longevity depends on many diverse factors, including the person’s general health and the extent of adherence to the established treatment plan. There are many people who have spent about 30 years on dialysis sessions. As for a kidney transplant, its expected lifespan is about 20 years if it is from a living person, and if it is from a deceased person, the period usually ranges between 8 and 15 years.

Do kidney failure patients urinate?

Yes, a patient with kidney failure may urinate at the beginning of the disease, but the amount of urine is less than normal and gradually decreases until it stops. 

Kidney failure is one of the diseases that can be lived with in a way that is close to normal, when you adhere to the treatment plan, filtration sessions, and periodic follow-up with your doctor, but the most important thing is choosing the doctor, and we at Al-Mousa Hospital have the best and largest doctors specializing in kidneys and we have a long record of achievements in the field of kidney transplantation and follow-up and the best advanced dialysis devices. 

Medical references 

Kidney Failure – clevelandclinic

Chronic kidney disease – nhs