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Kidney failure is asymptomatic in the beginning with some sluggishness, fatigue, anorexia and shortness of breath due to waste accumulation. Later, metabolic acidosis, arrhythmias (due to raised potassium levels) and raised urea levels causing encephalopathy or pericarditis occur. Excess fluid and high blood pressure may cause congestive heart failure. Increased urea and creatinine levels with decreased glomerular filtration rate are indicators and ultrasound can also help.

Foods high in potassium like bananas and apricots and excess salt is to be avoided. Milk, nuts, cheese and aerated drinks are high in phosphorus levels that cause calcium metabolism leading to osteoporosis. Tofu, peanut butter and eggs in controlled quantity helps in nutrition.

Apart from medications prescribed for symptoms, the last treatment options include dialysis of blood or peritoneum or transplantation.

The kidneys play important roles in filtering waste products like urea & uric acid out of blood, maintaining acid-base balance and sodium and potassium levels regulating blood pressure. They are located in the abdomen on each side of the spine. Urine formed in the kidneys passes through ureters to the bladder and finally goes out through urethra.

Reasons for kidney failure can be pre-renal such as short blood supply due to blood loss, dehydration (diarrhea, vomiting), and taking diuretics. Renal causes include infections of kidney/urinary tract, medications that are toxic to kidneys like NSAIDs (ibuprofen) or antibiotics like amino glycoside (gentamycin) or iodine-based medications and/or multiple myeloma or glomerulonephritis.

Post-renal causes like blocking of the urinary tract, intra-lumen (stones, tumor) or pressure from outside by cancer around the ureter can cause backflow of urine increasing pressure within the kidneys and affecting it’s function. Long-standing reasons for kidney failure can be diabetes, hypertension or stones.