Kidney failure is an extremely serious kidney problem. Unless there is timely and effective treatment, it may be fatal. Once kidney failure has occurred, you either need kidney dialysis for the rest of your life, or you need to get a kidney transplant.

Symptoms of kidney failure often go unrecognized until the disease has progressed to a very dangerous stage.

Symptoms tend to appear first in the body’s chemistry as problems arise in regulating electrolyte balances. Kidney function also begins to deteriorate. Two of the major jobs performed by the kidneys – eliminating excess fluids and filtering out toxins – start to degrade.

Another important function of the kidneys is to aid in the production of red blood cells. As impairment increases, fewer red blood cells are produced.

As kidney failure continues to progress, the patient may start to experience these symptoms:

* general tiredness,
* a general feeling of weakness,
* shortness of breath (known as dyspnea to doctors),
* swelling in different areas.

When kidney failure symptoms are not identified and treated, serious consequences are possible:

A lack of red blood cells – Red blood cells bring oxygen to tissues and organs. Without it, they can’t function efficiently, contributing to fatigue and weakness.

Inadequate potassium excretion – When the kidneys do not filter out and dispose of potassium, there can be potentially fatal problems involving heart rhythm.

Metabolic acidosis – This means there’s increased acidity in the system because the body can’t manufacture bicarbonate. This can alter enzyme and oxygen metabolism, leading to kidney failure.

Uremia – Urea is a waste produced that results from the digestion of protein. Our kidneys filter it from our blood and it is passed out of the body in urine. Rising urea levels in the blood can affect muscle, brain and heart function. Clearer symptoms of kidney failure begin to present themselves, including

* loss of appetite
* low energy, even high levels of fatigue,
* decreased mental and cognitive abilities.

When these symptoms begin to manifest themselves, kidney function has become so impaired that a coma is possible.

At advanced stages of kidney failure, the body cannot cope with rising acid levels, which causes rapid breathing an increase in blood pressure due to excess fluid, possibly leading to congestive heart failure.

Without serious medical intervention at this stage, the patient is unlikely to survive.

If you want to learn additional information on topics related to this article, click on How To Identify Symptoms Of Kidney Failure. George McKenzie is a retired TV anchor, medical reporter and radio talk show host. He has a special interest in kidney-related issues, and is a frequent contributor to Got a Kidney Problem?, a resource website about kidney health and wellness.

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