End Stage Renal Disease

Also known as Kidney Failure, End stage renal disease occurs when a person loses the kidney function and they can no longer work to meet the needs of the body. In such cases, a person often needs kidney transplant or dialysis to stay alive.

What are the common symptoms of End stage renal disease?

In its early stages, chronic kidney diseases present no symptoms. However, as they progress towards end stage renal disease, common signs and symptoms that follow are:

• Changes in urination
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in ankles and feet
• Difficult to control high blood pressure
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Headaches
• Muscle cramps and twitches
• Decrease in mental sharpness
• Metallic taste in mouth

Often, by the time the signs and symptoms start appearing, there may be irreversible damage caused to the kidneys.

What are the common causes of End Stage Renal Disease?

A person may suffer from kidney disease in case he or she suffers from a condition that may impair the kidney function over a long period of time. Many a times, even when the underlying condition is solved, kidney damage continues to progress. Some common conditions that can cause kidney disease in a person include:

• Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure level
• Interstitial nephritis that leads to the inflammation of the tubules and other surrounding structures of the kidney
• Glomerulonephritis that leads to the inflammation of the filtering units if the kidney
• Polycystic Kidney disease or any other genetic kidney disease
• Obstruction of the urinary tract for a prolonged time due to an enlarged prostate, cancer or kidney stones
• Vesicoureteral reflux that may cause the urine to back up into the kidneys
• Pyelonephritis or recurrent kidney infection

How is End Stage Renal Disease Diagnosed?

End Stage renal disease can be diagnosed after a complete physical examination by the doctor along with several tests to determine kidney functioning. These tests include:

• Urinalysis
• Serum Creatinine test
• Blood Urea Nitrogen Test
• Estimated Glomerular Filtration Test
• Artificial blood gases

What are the treatment options for End Stage Renal Disease?

The only two options available for people suffering from kidney failure are dialysis or kidney transplant. Medications and lifestyle changes also help in some cases.

What is the long term outlook for people suffering from this disease?

With the scientific advancements, people suffering from kidney failure are living longer than before. Though this disease can be life threatening, there are many treatment options available. Any additional conditions like heart issues may add to the complications that decide your life expectancy. In order to prevent long term renal failure, it is best to maintain your blood glucose and blood pressure levels. An early detection can help in prevention or progression of this disease. Fix your appointment today with the best nephrologist at Accord Hospitals in Delhi/ NCR to get the best advice regarding your kidney disease and any related complications.