Kidney (Renal) Failure
|
| Definition |
Kidney failure is the inability of
the kidney(s) to filter waste products (toxins) and fluid. This
results in a build-up of poisons in the bloodstream and fluid in the
body. The individual may stop urinating. The poisons in the
bloodstream may become dangerously high.
|
| Causes |
There are many causes of kidney
failure. High blood pressure and diabetes are two of the most common
causes of kindey failure. Multiple tests are performed to determine
the cause. Sometimes kidney failure is temporary in other cases it
is a chronic or life-long disease.
|
| Treatment |
Filtering the blood through a
machine to remove the poisons or waste products (dialysis) may be
necessary. A person can live many years with kidney failure on
dialysis. Others may be eligible for a kidney transplant.
|
| Comments |
If left untreated, kidney failure
will make a patient very ill and could be fatal. A single healthy
kidney can adequately filter the blood for an individual.
|
| Related
Links |
Kidney Dialysis
Foundation
The Kidney Dialysis Foundation site provides a balanced discussion
regarding renal failure and treatment options.
Nephron Information Center
The Nephron Information Center site provides educational information
on how the kidneys work and other topics pertaining to kidney
diseases.
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ICU Medical Conditions 
