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Acute Kidney Failure: Symptoms, Causes & Life Expectancy Across Stages

By Dr. Kishor Adhikari

Animated image of a right kidney

Sarah, a 35-year-old mother of two, has been feeling unusually tired recently. She ignored it assuming that it may be because of her busy schedule. Then she notices that her ankles are swollen, and she’s making more frequent trips to the bathroom at night. She assumes it’s just due to stress or aging. Months later, a routine blood test reveals her kidneys are functioning at only 40% capacity. Sarah is shocked—how could this have happened without any obvious warning? The truth is, kidney problems often develop silently, with subtle signs that are easy to overlook. Understanding these early warning signals can be the key to preventing serious kidney damage. 

The Silent Nature of Kidney Disease

 

Kidneys are the body’s unsung heroes, continuously filtering waste, balancing body fluids, and regulating blood pressure. Yet, they can lose up to 90% of their function before showing obvious symptoms (National Kidney Foundation, 2023). This silent progression makes kidney disease a “silent killer,” often diagnosed at advanced stages where treatment options are limited. The condition is termed as kidney failure as its’ functions are droped to 10% to 15%, and in most cases, it shows the symptoms of anorexia and swollen body parts due to retention of excess water in the subcutaneous tissues, commonly termed as edema. Early detection, however, not only save lives it also reduce healthcare costs. 

What Causes Kidney Failure?

 

Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar

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Kidney disease, specially chronic kidney disease (CKD) usually resulted from unmanaged blood pressure and dibetes because it gradually damages the blood vesseles and filtering units of the kidneys over time.  Apart from these chronic diseases, following are also considered as risk factors for the kidney damages:

Glomerulonephritis

 

Due to the inflamation of the tiny filtering unit, which is called glomeruli gradually progress to kidney failure. The glomeruli are responsbible for removing excess fluids and wastes from the blood. Inflamation in the glomeruli reduces its filtering efficiencies causing protein and blood to leak into the urine. Persistant inflamation and scaring, which is called glomeruloschlerosis, impare kidney functions and leads to chronic kidney disease. 
 

Polycystic Kidney Disease 

 
Polycystic Kidney Disease is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, leading to enlarged kidneys and reduced function over time. It can cause high blood pressure, pain, kidney infections, and eventually kidney failure. This condition  is primarily inherited in an autosomal dominant or recessive pattern, with no cure but management through lifestyle changes, blood pressure control, and, in severe cases, dialysis or transplantation. Similarly, Medullary Cystic Kidney Disease is also another types of kidney disease which is inherited from the genes. A cyste form at the inner parts (Medula) of the kidneys.
 

Other factors

 

Obesity, heart diseases, smoking, kidney truma, dehydration, blockages in the ureters can lead to acute kidney disease, if not treated in time leads to chronic kidney failure. 

 

Subtle Signs Your Kidneys Might Be Struggling

 

1. Fatigue and Weakness

Persistent fatigue is one of the earliest signs of kidney trouble. Healthy kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone that helps make red blood cells. This production is dropped when kidneys are damaged leading to anemia and thereby a constant feeling of exhaustion (Mayo Clinic, 2023). If you are having enough sleep but still feeldrained, it might be time to check your kidney function.

2. Swelling in Hands, Feet, or Face

Kidneys regulate fluid balance in the body. Excess fluid can accumulate when they’re not functioning correctly, leading to puffiness around the eyes or swelling in the limbs. Edema is a symptom that is frequently written off as the result of prolonged standing or eating too much salt, but it might also be a warning sign for renal problems (WebMD, 2023).

3. Changes in Urination Patterns

Frequent urination, usually at night, or urine that is frothy, dark, or bloody can indicate kidney problems. Foamy urine may signal protein leakage, a sign of kidney damage, while dark or crimson urine may indicate kidney stones or an infection. (American Kidney Fund, 2023).

4. Elevated Blood Pressure

Blood pressure and kidney function are tightly related. Hypertension results from damaged kidneys that are unable to control blood pressure. In contrast, a vicious cycle of renal vessel damage can be exacerbated by high blood pressure (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and renal Diseases, 2023).

5. Persistent Itching and Dry Skin

When kidneys fail to remove waste from the bloodstream, toxins may accumulate, and causes itching and dry skin. These symptoms are often overlooked or attributed to allergies or skin conditions, but it can be a sign of advanced kidney disease. (Healthline, 2023).

Prevention and Early Detection: Simple and Cost-Effective Strategies

The good news is that kidney disease is often preventable and manageable if diagnose early. Here are some low-cost strategies to protect your kidneys:

1. Regular Screening

A simple and very affordable blood test (serum creatinine) and urine test (to check for protein) can detect kidney problems early. These tests are rapid, widely available, and hassle free, making them accessible for most people (World Kidney Day, 2023).

2. Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water helps kidneys flush out toxins. Target for 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, but avoid overhydration, which can strain the kidneys (Harvard Health, 2023).

3. Manage Blood Pressure and Diabetes

High blood pressure and diabetes are the primary causes of kidney disease. Monitoring regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, and adherence to medication can significantly reduce your risk (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023).

4. Adopt a Kidney-Friendly Diet

Reduce salt intake, processed foods along with sugar, instead, focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limiting protein intake can also ease the kidneys’ workload (National Kidney Foundation, 2023).

The Moral of the Story

Sara’s experience might have turned out differently if she had been aware of the early warning signals of kidney problems. It’s not necessary for kidney disease to be a silent menace. By paying little attention to your body and taking preventive steps, you can protect not only your kidneys, but also your overall health. Early detection is not only easy and cost-effective but can also save you from the physical, emotional, and financial hardship of advanced kidney disease.

References

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