Why should we be wary of kidney failure?

The kidneys are responsible for the removal of waste products. If this is not done sufficiently, all kinds of complications can arise.

In acute renal failure, the kidneys deteriorate within a few hours to a few days. This can be caused by fluid deficiency, kidney stones, inflammation or reduced drainage of the kidneys.

In chronic renal failure, the kidneys deteriorate over a period of months to years. Chronic renal insufficiency is often the result of damage to the kidneys due to diabetes, high blood pressure or excessive use of painkillers. This chronic renal insufficiency often evolves into complete kidney failure. In those cases, dialysis or transplantation is necessary.

Chronic renal failure often has no symptoms at first. The diagnosis can be made through a blood test. The GP will perform this if there are risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure. In acute renal failure, symptoms such as acute confusion occur more quickly.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354521

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2023-12-11 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024