Ask a doctor - What is renal failure?

Q. What is renal failure?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Renal failure, also known as kidney failure or kidney insufficiency, is a medical condition in which the kidneys lose their ability to properly filter out waste products and toxins from the bloodstream. Renal failure can have many causes including degenerative diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, certain medications or drug overdose, genetic defects, kidney infections and inflammation caused by problems with blood flow to the kidneys. It can cause life-threatening complications such as fluid retention in the body resulting in edema or swelling of hands or feet; severe electrolyte imbalances leading to fatigue, nausea and vomiting; anemia due to increased red blood cell breakdown; decreased levels of proteins produced by damaged kidneys; accumulation of acid waste products in the bloodstream leading to abnormal pH levels that can lead to cardiac issues; and elevated risk for urinary tract infection (UTI). If left untreated renal failure may progress from acute (sudden) renal insufficiency resulting from an underlying medical condition—to chronic (long-term) renal insufficiency that develops over time due to long standing tissue damage. Treatment is typically designed towards managing underlying causes while preserving existing kidney function through lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes that reduce salt intake, limiting alcohol consumption and exercising regularly. In addition dialysis may be required if adequate natural kidney filtration is not effective at removing toxins from circulation –or if more advanced stages are reached where end stage renal disease occurs which requires either a transplantation procedure or permanent dialysis therapy for survival.