Kidney failure is a condition where the kidneys lose their ability to filter fluids and waste from the body.
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located just below the rib cage, one on each side of your spine. Kidneys remove wastes and extra water to produce urine that is excreted through the bladder. Your kidneys and bladder are part of your urinary tract.
Without the kidney to filter our waste products and maintain balance in the body, toxins like urea can accumulate which can adversely affect the brain and heart. Most people wil be able to manage their kidney failure with the proper treatment.
Acute kidney failure happens quickly when the kidneys stop functioning suddenly. Chronic kidney failure happens when the disease has persisted and worsened over a long period of time. Dangerous levels of toxins and fluids can build up in the body if your kidneys fail, which is a potentially fatal condition if left untreated.
Symptoms of Kidney Failure vary between people, some symptoms you may notice include:
Anyone can be affected by Kidney Failure though there are some factors that may increase your risk of developing Kidney Failure, such as:
Biopsy
A biopsy is done to check tumours in the kidney for signs of cancer.
Blood Test
A complete blood count blood test will be done to check for white blood cell increase due to infection.
Imaging Tests
Kidney imaging tests are done with ultrasound or CT scan to check for inflammation or abdominal growths.
Urine Test
Urine tests may be done to rule out a urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney stones.
