Kidney Failure

Overview

Kidney failure (renal failure) means one or both of your kidneys no longer function well on their own. Kidney failure is sometimes temporary and develops quickly (acute). Other times it’s a chronic (long-term) condition that slowly gets worse.

Who does kidney failure affect?

Kidney failure can affect anyone. However, you may be at a higher risk of developing kidney failure if you:

Have diabetes.
Have high blood pressure(hypertension).
Have heart disease.
Have a family history of kidney disease.
Have abnormal kidney structure.
Are Black, Hispanic, Native American, Alaska Native or First Nation.
Are over 60.
Have a long history of taking pain relievers, including over-the-counter products such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

What are the first warning signs of kidney failure?

Many people experience few or no symptoms in the early stages of kidney disease. However, chronic kidney disease (CKD) may still cause damage even though you feel fine.

CKD and kidney failure symptoms vary between people. If your kidneys aren’t working properly, you may notice one or more of the following signs:

Extreme tiredness (fatigue).
Nausea and vomiting.
Confusion or trouble concentrating.
Swelling (edema), particularly around your hands, ankles or face.
Peeing more often.
Cramps (muscle spasms).
Dry or itchy skin.
Poor appetite or food may taste metallic.

How is kidney failure diagnosed?

A healthcare provider may use a variety of kidney function tests to evaluate your kidneys and diagnose kidney failure. If the provider suspects you’re at risk of kidney failure, common tests include:

Blood tests. Blood tests show how well your kidneys remove waste from your blood. A provider will use a thin needle to withdraw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. Technicians will then analyze your blood sample at a lab.
Urine tests. Urine tests measure specific substances in your pee, such as protein or blood. You’ll pee into a special container at a provider’s office or a hospital. Technicians will then analyze your urine sample at a lab.
Imaging tests. Imaging tests allow a provider to look at your kidneys and the surrounding areas to identify abnormalities or blockages. Common imaging tests include kidney ultrasound, CT urogram and MRI.

Dialysis

Dialysis helps your body filter blood. There are two types of dialysis:

Hemodialysis. In hemodialysis, a machine regularly cleans your blood for you. Most people get hemodialysis three to four days a week at a hospital or dialysis clinic.
Peritoneal dialysis. In peritoneal dialysis, a provider attaches a bag with a dialysis solution to a catheter in your abdominal lining. The solution flows from the bag into your abdominal lining, absorbs waste products and extra fluids and drains back into the bag. Sometimes people can receive peritoneal dialysis at home.

Kidney transplant

A surgeon places a healthy kidney in your body during a kidney transplant to take over for your damaged kidney. The healthy kidney (donor organ) may come from a deceased donor or a living donor. You can live well with one healthy kidney.

How long can you live with kidney failure?

Without dialysis or a kidney transplant, kidney failure is fatal. You may survive a few days or weeks without treatment.

If you’re on dialysis, the average life expectancy is five to 10 years. Some people can live up to 30 years on dialysis.

If you have a kidney transplant, the average life expectancy if you receive a kidney from a living donor is 12 to 20 years. The average life expectancy if you receive a kidney from a deceased donor is eight to 12 years.

What medications are used to treat kidney failure?

Depending on the cause of your kidney disease, a healthcare provider may prescribe one or more of the following medications:

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). These medications help lower your blood pressure.
Diuretics. These help remove extra fluid from your body.
Statins. These help lower your cholesterol levels.
Erythropoietin-stimulating agents. These help build red blood cells if you have anemia.
Vitamin D and calcitriol. These help prevent bone loss.
Phosphate binders. These help remove extra phosphorus in your blood.

How can I prevent kidney failure?

Though kidney failure and CKD aren’t reversible, you can take steps to help preserve your kidney function. Healthy habits and routines may slow down how quickly your kidneys lose their ability to function.

If you have CKD or kidney failure, it’s a good idea to: