The function of the kidneys is to toxins from the body. They are then passed to your bladder and eliminated. Kidney failure is when they can’t filter waste from your blood anymore.

Many contributing factors can affect your kidneys, and it happens pretty often. For example, if your kidneys cannot function properly, toxins will overrun your body, causing you to become very ill. 

If left untreated, this can prove to be life-threatening. Thankfully there are treatments and solutions to help this from becoming fatal; however, it does depend on the severity and conditions your kidneys are in 

What is the Difference between Renal and Kidney?

The kidney is the noun of the organ, and the renal is an adjective. However, it means the same thing when mentioned about renal failure and kidney failure.

Sometimes medical terminology can be a bit confusing, and though it said they have different meanings, it more or less refers to the same thing, the kidneys. 

The word renal refers to kidneys and any involvements of these organs. It’s used to refer to anything located in the region of the kidneys as well.

Causes of End-Stage Renal Disease

Several conditions can cause or aid in the failure of the kidneys. There are, however, two leading causes for kidney failure, and these are high blood pressure and diabetes.

Those who are most prone to developing kidneys are as follows;

Loss of blood flow to the kidneys

This is often due to experiencing one or more of the following conditions;

• Dehydration
• Severe burns
• Heart attack
• Scarring of the liver
• Liver failure
• Heart disease
• Allergic reactions
• Severe infection (such as sepsis)
• Blood pressure and anti-inflammatory medications which limit blood flow

Urine elimination problems

This is when the body cant rid itself of the buildup of toxins resulting in the overloading of the kidneys. This often happens in patients who have the following type of cancers;

• Bladder
• Colon
• Cervical
• Prostate (a most common type of cancer in men)

Other conditions are associated with the inability to urinate;

• Blood clots
• Kidney stones
• Enlarged prostate
• Damage to the nerves which control the bladder

Other causes 

• Drugs 
• Alcohol 
• Infection
• Heavy metal poisoning 
• Vasculitis 
• Lupus
• Glomerulonephritis
• Hemolytic uremic syndrome 
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Scleroderma
• Multiple myeloma 
• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
• Blood clots

Symptoms 

In the early stage of kidney failure, symptoms often go unnoticed. Research says that about 90% of chronic kidney failure do not even know they have it. Although it is left to progress, the symptoms start to be much more prominent. These symptoms mainly include the following; 

• Coma
• Seizures
• Persistent 
• Shortness of breath
• Reduced amount of urine
• Confusion
• Persistent nausea
• Pain and pressure in the chestal region
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Swelling in the ankles, legs, and legs from water retention

Diagnosis

There are five leading diagnostics that the doctor will run to determine whether or not you have kidney failure. 

They may run several tests, but the most common of these are; 

1. Urinalysis – the doctor will ask for a sample of your urine to test for anything unusual. 
2. Urine volume measurements – this is one of the simplest ways to try and determine kidney failure.
3. Kidney tissue sample – the doctor will use a kidney biopsy to collect a tissue sample and examine it for scarring, unusual deposits, and infections.
4. Blood samples – this is to measure the substances that kidneys have filtered.
5. Imaging – this will include MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds. This will help the doctor get a better visual view of your kidneys and identify blockages. 

Treatment 

Dialysis

This is when a machine is used to filter and purify the blood. It will, in simple terms, do the functions of the kidneys. It is often connected to a portable catheter or a large machine.

Kidney transplant 

This will replace dialysis as it functions as it is supposed to without help. However, there is a very long waiting list for kidney transplants. 

Lifestyle changes

Decreasing or stopping the amount of alcohol you drink can help reduce damage along with dietary changes and healthier living.

FAQ

1. Do the kidneys only function to filter blood? No, they also remove waste and toxins, maintain the balance of electrolytes, and produce hormones that help stabilize blood pressure, create red blood cells, and keep bones strong.
2. Is urine made in the bladder or kidneys? Urine is made in the kidneys and passed onto the bladder to fill and then be excreted.
3. Are any kidney diseases inherited? Yes, polycystic kidney disease can be passed down genetically. 

Healthier Me Today is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment. Always consult with your healthcare professional. Stay healthy!