Kidney Failure

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the type of renal failure.

• Acute renal failure - Symptoms include:

  • Decreased urine output

  • Swelling (edema) resulting from salt and water overload

  • High blood pressure

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Lethargy caused by the toxic effects of waste products on brain function

If left untreated, acute renal failure can cause congestive heart failure (because the extra fluid backs up behind the heart into the lungs), cardiac rhythm abnormalities, behavioral changes, seizures, and coma.

• Chronic renal failure and end-stage renal disease - Because the kidney damage in chronic renal failure occurs slowly over a long time, symptoms develop slowly, usually beginning when more than 80 percent of kidney function is lost. When this occurs, symptoms can include:

  • Headache

  • Fatigue

  • Weakness

  • Lethargy

  • Itching

  • Poor appetite

  • Vomiting

  • Increased thirst

  • Pale skin

  • High blood pressure

  • Slowing of growth in children

  • Bone damage in adults