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.
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 is one of the most common causes of kidney failure while high blood pressure comes second.
Lupus, IgA nephropathy, and other autoimmune diseases can adversely affect the health of a patient's kidneys and cause End Stage Renal Disease.
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.
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:
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.
If you notice one or several of the symptoms mentioned below, get checked by your healthcare professional as soon as possible.
You should also keep in mind acute renal failure with the following symptoms:
Showing these symptoms could be an indication of serious kidney malfunction and must not be ignored.
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.
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.
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.
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.
