Kidney Failure

Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys are unable to filter waste products from the blood adequately. There are two main types:

• Acute Kidney Failure: A sudden loss of kidney function that develops for a variety of reasons.
• Chronic Kidney Failure: A form of kidney failure that develops and progresses gradually over time.

Symptoms of Kidney Failure

• Producing less urine than usual
• Frequent urination at night
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet; puffiness around the eyes in the morning
• Shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Itching and dry skin
• Erectile difficulties in men
• Muscle cramps at night
• Insomnia
• Mental confusion and difficulty concentrating
• Excessive drowsiness, tiredness, and exhaustion
• Uremic coma caused by increased blood urea levels