Kidney Failure in End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

  • Spet 27, 2021
  • 15 min to read
Diabetic-Kidney-Diseases-wetogether-care

Kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is the last stage of Chronic Kidney Disease where a patient's kidneys fail. Since there is no known cure, the only ways to survive are getting a kidney transplant or undergoing regular dialysis. However, the chances of living with ESRD can increase if one is informed and takes the correct steps on time. Today, we will be talking about everything related to End Stage Renal Disease for our readers to understand the root cause, symptoms and course of action applicable.

What Causes ESRD or renal disease end stage?

In the majority of instances, kidney failure is triggered by other ailments that cause irreparable damage to the patient's kidneys over a period of time.

When the kidneys sustain damage, they fail to work optimally, degrading slowly. If the damage to the kidneys is not slowed down, the onset of Chronic Kidney Disease or CKD is inevitable. Kidney failure is the final and most deteriorated stage of CKD. For the same reason, kidney failure is also known as End-stage Renal Disease, or ESRD. Here are the major causes of ESRD as explained below:

Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

Diabetes is one of the most common causes of kidney failure while high blood pressure comes second.

Autoimmune Diseases

Lupus, IgA nephropathy, and other autoimmune diseases can adversely affect the health of a patient's kidneys and cause End Stage Renal Disease.

Congenital Diseases

Polycystic kidney disease, Nephrotic syndrome, and urinary tract issues from birth can lead to poor kidney health that slowly deteriorates to CKD, leading to ESRD.

Acute Renal Failure

Sometimes a person's kidneys can suddenly quit functioning. This condition is known as acute renal failure or kidney injury. Some of the causes of suffering an acute renal failure are:

  • Getting a heart attack
  • Use of Illegal Drugs and Substance Abuse
  • Poor blood circulation in the kidneys
  • Recurring and prolonged Urinary Tract Problems

Acute renal failure is not always a lifetime ordeal. The kidneys can go back to functioning with the correct treatment provided the patient does not have more concerning health issues.

It is important to note that having one of the health issues listed above will definitely lead you to renal failure. By making healthy choices and undergoing treatment by a specialist, you can help your kidneys function well for a long time.

What are the symptoms of kidney failure?

If you notice one or several of the symptoms mentioned below, get checked by your healthcare professional as soon as possible.

  1. Itching all over the body
  2. Irritating bumps and swelling like mosquito bites or allergies appearing suddenly especially waist down.
  3. Frequent muscle cramps
  4. Recurring nausea or vomiting
  5. Lack of appetite for days
  6. Swollen feet and ankles due to water retention
  7. Urinating too frequently or not enough
  8. Breathing troubles
  9. Trouble falling asleep or sleeping comfortably

You should also keep in mind acute renal failure with the following symptoms:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Stabbing lower back pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Nosebleeds
  • Fever
  • Rash

Showing these symptoms could be an indication of serious kidney malfunction and must not be ignored.

What are the Treatments Available for End Stage Kidney Failure?

If a person is diagnosed with kidney failure or ESRD they will require continual dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive. Unfortunately, we do not have a known cure for ESRD. However, patients can live long and fulfilling lives with dialysis or a successful kidney transplant.

Based on your case, a specialist can help you take the best course of action.

What are the Complications Probable with Kidney Failure?

The kidneys perform many functions to keep a person healthy. Apart from filtering blood, they also manage chemicals and fluids in the body, detox blood, regulate blood pressure and aid in producing red blood cells. Dialysis can only perform some of these functions. Therefore, a patient will have supplementary treatments to compensate for the other functions. With patience, support of healthcare professionals and family.

Is it Difficult to Adjust to Kidney Failure?

It can be traumatizing to find a Chronic Kidney Disease diagnosis for anyone. However, you can still live a healthy life by making the appropriate changes. Undergoing treatment such as dialysis or a kidney transplant can be physically as well as emotionally taxing, but all is not lost.

Getting regular dialysis sets the path for a new normal. There’s a lot to unpack and decide upon such as your treatment course, dietary changes, new ways to enjoy life, or pursue an active career.

Wrapping Up:

We hope that our blog helped you understand End-Stage Renal Disease better; stay tuned for more information on kidney diseases and how to deal with it. Take the help of therapy and counseling to learn how to make the most of your life; you will realise that you are not alone and it is possible to achieve your goals with the right attitude.