Kidney Failure

• Kidneys are the organs that filter waste products from the blood. They are also involved in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production in the body.
• Symptoms of kidney failure are due to the build-up of waste products and excess fluid in the body that may cause weakness, shortness of breath, lethargy, swelling, and confusion. Inability to remove potassium from the bloodstream may lead to abnormal heart rhythms and sudden death. Initially kidney failure may cause no symptoms.
• There are numerous causes of kidney failure, and treatment of the underlying disease may be the first step in correcting the kidney abnormality.
• Some causes of kidney failure are treatable and the kidney function may return to normal. Unfortunately, kidney failure may be progressive in other situations and may be irreversible.

The list of causes of kidney failure is often categorized based on where the injury has occurred.

Perennial causes (pre=before + renal=kidney) causes are due to decreased blood supply to the kidney. Examples of perennial causes of kidney failure are:

• Hypo volemia (low blood volume) due to blood loss
• Dehydration from loss of body fluid (for example, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, fever)
• Poor intake of fluids
• Medication, for example, diuretics ("water pills") may cause excessive water loss
• Abnormal blood flow to and from the kidney due to obstruction of the renal artery or vein.