Renal failure is a condition where the kidneys stop filtering waste out of the blood. When the condition is chronic, it is also known as end-stage renal disease or ESRD.
Renal failure threatens the lives of millions of Americans annually. Characterized by loss of up to 90 percent of the kidney’s filtering capacity, renal failure can be slowed down and quality of life can be improved if the disease is detected and treated quickly.
Here’s more on renal failure, including the factors which contribute to it, and where you can go for inpatient dialysis treatment near you.
Renal Failure Symptoms
Renal failure seriously impacts the length and quality of life. It can come on suddenly – known as acute renal failure – or it can develop over time – known as chronic renal failure/ESRD.
In the early stages of kidney disease, patients may have no symptoms at all. However, once the kidneys start to fail, patients experience the following symptoms:
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Muscle spasms
- Mental confusion
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Poor sensation and swelling in the feet and hands
Risk Factors for Developing Kidney Failure
The most common risk factors for ESRD are poorly controlled diabetes and high blood pressure. However, other lifestyle factors and medical conditions can contribute to the development of this life-threatening health problem, including:
- Impaired circulation to the kidneys and urinary tract
- Trauma to the kidney through a fall or car accident
- Kidney infection
- Liver disease
- Blood clots
- Alcohol and substance abuse
- Some cancers (colon, cervical, prostate) and cancer treatments
- Advanced age
- Long periods of hospitalization, particularly in the ICU
Treating Renal Failure
The best treatment for renal failure is a proactive approach. Be sure to stay on top of chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Take your prescribed medicines, including diuretics for fluid retention, as directed. Inform your primary care physician or medical specialist of any changes in your bathroom habits, ability to do daily tasks, or swelling in your legs and hands.
Many people can manage their renal failure symptoms with the help of a doctor. However, once the kidneys fail, dialysis is necessary to filter waste out of the body. At a certain point, dialysis may not be enough, and a kidney transplant is required. In short, ESRD must be taken seriously.
Carrus Health Specialty Hospital
If you are looking for a specialty hospital near you that offers top-quality treatment for renal failure, look no further than Carrus Health Specialty Hospital.
Our highly experienced team of physicians and support personnel provide quality inpatient care for people with complex medical problems. Renal failure is just one of these conditions.
To learn more about kidney failure, its diagnosis, treatments, and inpatient dialysis near you, please call us at (903) 870-2630 for a consultation with one of our providers. We proudly serve the community of Sherman, TX, and the surrounding areas.
