What is Kidney failure ?

Your kidneys filter wastes from your blood and regulate other functions of your body. When your kidneys fail, you need treatment to replace the work your kidneys normally perform.

Developing kidney failure means you have some decisions to make about your treatment. You may choose to forgo treatment. If you choose to receive treatment, your choices include hemodialysis, which requires a machine used to filter your blood outside your body; peritoneal dialysis, which uses the lining of your belly to filter your blood inside the body; and kidney transplantation, in which a new kidney is placed in your body. Each treatment has advantages and disadvantages. Your choice of treatment will have a big impact on your day-to-day lifestyle, such as being able to keep a job if you are working. You are the only one who can decide what means most to you. Reading this information is a good way to learn about your options so you can make an informed choice. And, if you find that your choice is not a good fit for your life, you can change treatments. With the help of your health care team, family, and friends, you can lead a full, active life.

what are the symptoms?
• Bloody stools
• Breath odor
• Bruising easily
• Changes in mental status or mood
• Decreased appetite
• Decreased sensation, especially in the hands or feet
• Fatigue
• Flank pain (between the ribs and hips)
• Hand tremor
• High blood pressure
• Metallic taste in mouth
• Nausea or vomiting, may last for days
• Nosebleeds
• Persistent hiccups
• Prolonged bleeding
• Seizures
• Slow, sluggish movements
• Swelling - generalized (fluid retention)
• Swelling of the ankle, foot, and leg
• Urination changes:
• Decrease in amount of urine
• Excessive urination at night
• Urination stops completely

Signs and tests
Many patients have generalized swelling caused by fluid retention. The doctor may hear a heart murmur, crackles in the lungs, or signs of inflammation of the lining of the heart when listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope.

The results of laboratory tests may change suddenly (within a few days to 2 weeks). Such tests may include:
• BUN
• Creatinine clearance
• Serum creatinine
• Serum potassium
• Urinalysis

A kidney or abdominal ultrasound is the preferred test for diagnosing kidney failure, but abdominal x-ray, abdominal CT scan, orabdominal MRI can tell if there is a blockage in the urinary tract.

Blood tests may help reveal the underlying cause of kidney failure. Arterial blood gas and blood chemistries may show metabolic acidosis.

When Your Kidneys Fail ?
Healthy kidneys clean your blood by removing excess fluid, minerals, and wastes. They also make hormones that keep your bones strong and your blood healthy. When your kidneys fail, harmful wastes build up in your body, your blood pressure may rise, and your body may retain excess fluid and not make enough red blood cells. When this happens, you need treatment to replace the work of your failed kidneys.

Treatment of Kidney Failure

Treatment for kidney failure is expensive, but Medicare and Medicaid pay much of the cost, usually up to 80 percent. Often, private insurance or state programs pay the rest. For more information, see the taj fact sheet Financial Help for Treatment of Kidney Failure.

Points to Remember

• Your kidneys filter wastes from your blood and regulate other functions of your body.

• When your kidneys fail, you need treatment to replace the work your kidneys normally perform.

• Your three choices for treatment are hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation.

• The choice you make will affect your diet, your ability to work, and other life style issues.

• You have the right to refuse or withdraw from treatment if you choose.

• Medicare and Medicaid pay much of the cost of treatment for kidney failure.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   

Kidney Failure