End-Stage Renal Disease – Symptoms and Causes
What Is End-Stage Renal Disease?
End-stage renal disease happens when your kidneys stop working well enough to keep you alive. This serious condition develops after chronic kidney disease has gotten worse over time.
Your kidneys are important organs that clean your blood by filtering out waste and extra fluids. When kidneys fail, they can’t filter blood properly. This causes dangerous waste products and fluids to build up in your body.
Your body needs working kidneys to:
- Remove waste products from blood
- Control fluid levels
- Balance important chemicals and minerals
- Help regulate blood pressure
Without treatment, this condition is life-threatening. When kidneys reach this stage of damage, they typically won’t get better.
People with end-stage renal disease have three main treatment options:
- Dialysis: A machine filters your blood when your kidneys cannot.
- Kidney Transplant: Surgery to receive a healthy kidney from a donor.
- Conservative Care: Managing symptoms for comfort without dialysis or transplant.
Each person’s situation is different, and treatment choices depend on many factors, including overall health, age, and personal preferences.
Working closely with healthcare providers helps patients understand their options and make informed decisions about their care.
Signs of Kidney Problems
Kidney disease often starts without clear signs. As the disease gets worse, you might notice:
- Feeling sick to your stomach
- Throwing up
- Not wanting to eat
- Feeling tired and weak
- Changes in how often you pee
- Pain in your chest from fluid around your heart
- Trouble breathing from fluid in your lungs
- Swollen feet and ankles
- Hard-to-control high blood pressure
- Headaches
- Problems sleeping
- Trouble thinking clearly
- Muscle cramps and twitches
- Itchy skin that won’t go away
- A metal-like taste in your mouth
These symptoms don’t always mean you have kidney disease. They can show up with other health problems too.
Your kidneys can work harder to make up for damage, so you might not see any signs until the damage can’t be fixed.
When to Call a Doctor
If you notice any signs of kidney problems, make an appointment with your doctor. Don’t wait.
People with conditions that raise their risk for kidney disease (like diabetes or high blood pressure) should get regular check-ups.
Your doctor might recommend urine tests, blood tests, and blood pressure checks to watch your kidney health. Ask if these tests are right for you during your next visit.
Causes
Kidney disease develops when something harms your kidneys, causing damage that gets worse over time. Sometimes the damage continues even after the original problem is gone.
Several health conditions can lead to kidney disease:
- Diabetes (both type 1 and type 2)
- High blood pressure
- Glomerulonephritis – inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units.
- Interstitial nephritis – inflammation of kidney tubules and surrounding structures.
Genetic factors play a role too. Polycystic kidney disease and other inherited conditions can cause kidney problems.
Physical blockages can also harm the kidneys, including:
- Enlarged prostate
- Kidney stones
- Certain cancers
Other causes include vesicoureteral reflux, where urine flows backward into the kidneys, and recurring kidney infections (pyelonephritis).
Each of these conditions damages the kidneys in different ways, but all can lead to reduced kidney function over time if not properly managed.
Risk Factors
Several factors may speed up the progression of chronic kidney disease to end-stage renal disease:
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Diseases affecting kidney filtering structures (glomeruli)
- Polycystic kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
Your background can also affect risk:
- Black, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, or American Indian heritage
- Family history of kidney failure
Other important risk factors include:
- Advanced age
- Regular use of medications that may harm kidneys
Complications
Kidney damage is permanent and cannot be reversed once it happens. Many body systems can be affected by kidney problems, leading to various health issues.
Fluid buildup may occur in your limbs, causing swelling. It can also raise blood pressure or create fluid in your lungs.
Dangerous rises in blood potassium levels can affect heart function and might be life-threatening. Heart disease is another possible complication.
Bone weakness increases fracture risk, while anemia causes fatigue. Sexual health problems may include reduced drive, erectile dysfunction, or fertility issues.
Brain and nervous system effects can lead to concentration problems, personality shifts, or seizures. Your immune system may weaken, making infections more common.
Other possible complications include:
- Heart membrane inflammation
- Pregnancy risks for both mother and baby
- Poor nutrition
- Complete kidney failure (requiring dialysis or transplant)
Ways to Slow Kidney Disease
Making healthy choices can help slow down kidney disease. Here are some steps to take:
Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
Stay active on most days of the week.
Eat wisely by limiting protein and choosing low-salt, nutritious foods.
Monitor your blood pressure and follow treatment plans.
Take medications correctly as your doctor prescribed.
Check cholesterol yearly with your healthcare provider.
Control blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes.
Quit tobacco in all forms.
Visit your doctor regularly for checkups.
These simple changes can make a big difference in managing kidney disease and maintaining your overall health.
