Hidden Signs of Kidney Failure: When Ordinary Fatigue is a Dangerous Symptom 0 58

The most dangerous consequence of kidney failure is the development of renal insufficiency. However, even such a daunting diagnosis is not a reason to lose hope for a normal life. Stanislav Sosnovsky, urologist-andrologist, reproductive specialist, and candidate of medical sciences, spoke about the symptoms and causes of the disease.

Why Kidneys Fail

When discussing the causes of kidney failure, there are two main scenarios. In the case of acute renal failure, everything develops extremely rapidly and without warning. The disease manifests suddenly, progressing over a few days. This usually occurs in the event of acute poisoning, significant blood loss, or intolerance to certain medications.

Chronic development of the disease is also possible, where the process is slow and gradual. In this case, symptoms intensify gradually, sometimes not appearing for many years until more than 75% of the nephron cells are affected. The main culprits are diabetes, hypertension, chronic inflammation, and autoimmune disorders (glomerulonephritis).

Typically, the kidneys do not hurt and rarely cause concern for patients. Therefore, many learn about the problem at later stages when the body can no longer cope.

When to Sound the Alarm

In the early stages of chronic insufficiency, symptoms resemble ordinary asthenia: there is a constant desire to sleep, dryness in the mouth, and a lack of energy even for simple tasks. This is related to the accumulation of protein fractions and acid radicals in the blood. Then, swelling occurs, especially in the face in the mornings, along with nausea, sometimes vomiting, shortness of breath even without exertion, increasing hypertension, and the development of uremic encephalopathy.

Urine changes in volume: either there is a lot of it, especially at night, or, conversely, almost none — this depends on the stage. During urination, one may notice that the urine is very foamy. The skin begins to itch, takes on a dark yellow tint, blood pressure fluctuates, and a metallic taste appears in the mouth.

Acute forms hit harder: there is a sharp decrease in urine output (sometimes to zero), accompanied by severe weakness, cramps, confusion, and rapid development of disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome (the formation of multiple microthrombi in the vessels — Ed. note). Without medical assistance, this can end very badly. Many initially think: "I’m just tired," "I caught a cold," or "It’s my age." But if swelling, fatigue, and strange urine changes persist for more than a week, it is no joke.

How the Diagnosis is Made

First, blood and urine tests are taken — checking creatinine, urea, and glomerular filtration rate. An ultrasound of the kidneys is performed, and sometimes a CT scan or biopsy is done. Treatment depends on the form and severity of the disease. In acute cases, the cause is urgently addressed: active therapy is conducted, and infection or intoxication is eliminated.

In chronic forms, there is a disruption in water-salt balance, retention of nitrogenous compounds in the blood, and disturbances in the endocrine system and enzymatic function. A diet low in salt, protein, and phosphorus is necessary, along with antihypertensive medications and iron supplements for anemia. In late stages, either constant dialysis (3–4 times a week for 4–5 hours) or surgical treatment (kidney transplant) is required. A transplant offers a chance to live a full life.

Many on dialysis work, travel, and even run marathons. There are people who return to sports, have children, and build careers after kidney transplants. The key is discipline: regularly undergo tests, follow a diet, drink water as prescribed (no more and no less than what the doctor says), and quit smoking and drinking alcohol. But all this works only with proper treatment. Without a doctor and systematic monitoring, the condition deteriorates quite rapidly.

It is important to remember: no herbs, dietary supplements, folk methods, or "cleanses" will help here, and they often cause harm. If suspicious symptoms appear, see a nephrologist or at least a therapist. The sooner you start the diagnosis, the greater the chances of maintaining quality of life for a long time.