Kidney Failure

Kidney failure (Renal failure) occurs when one or both kidneys lose their ability to function properly. It can develop rapidly (acute kidney failure) or over a long period (chronic kidney failure).

Stages of Kidney Failure

Normal Function

Mild loss of function

Moderate loss of function

Severe loss of function

Kidney Failure

Causes of Kidney Failure

Diabetes or High Blood Sugar
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Autoimmune Diseases (e.g., Lupus)
Chronic Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units)
Urinary Tract Obstruction
Medication Overuse and Toxins
Nephrotic Syndrome

Symptoms of Kidney Failure

Limitations of Medication Therapy

Dialysis Limitations:
Haemodialysis: Requires strict dietary restrictions (e.g., low sodium). Patients may experience fatigue, nausea, cramps, and low blood pressure. It doesn’t fully replicate kidney function.
Peritoneal Dialysis: Less effective at removing waste, with limited technique survival over time.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors: Can cause low blood pressure, dizziness, or kidney dysfunction in some patients.
Prolonged use of diuretics or phosphate binders can lead to electrolyte imbalances or gastrointestinal issues.
Kidney Transplantation Limitations: Requires lifelong immunosuppressive medications to prevent organ rejection, increasing infection risk.

Limited availability of donor kidneys leads to long waiting times for transplantation.