What are the symptoms of chronic kidney failure?

Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
Updated on December 28, 2024
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Chronic kidney failure generally may have some clinical symptoms, but many patients do not have any discomfort. Some common clinical symptoms mainly include increased urine foam and decreased urine output. Due to the decline in renal function for urine excretion, it can lead to edema, particularly in areas such as both ankles and the face. In the state of renal failure, patients may also experience hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis. Due to metabolic acidosis, patients might exhibit deep and labored breathing. In the advanced stages of kidney failure, patients may suffer from renal anemia, leading to fatigue and potentially experiencing bone pain and susceptibility to fractures due to renal osteodystrophy.

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Written by Wu Ji
Nephrology
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Principles of Treatment for Chronic Renal Failure

The principles of treatment for chronic renal failure include early-stage non-dialysis conservative treatment as well as end-stage renal replacement therapy. Non-dialysis conservative treatment includes delaying the progression of kidney damage, which requires treating the primary disease, implementing nutritional support, and controlling factors that accelerate kidney disease progression, such as controlling high blood pressure, proteinuria, and hyperlipidemia. Additionally, it is necessary to eliminate metabolic waste from the body, and maintain the body's water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance. Renal replacement therapy includes hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplant therapy.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Nephrology
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Chronic Renal Failure Clinical Manifestations

Patients with chronic renal failure may exhibit fatigue, which is mainly due to anemia. Patients with stage three or higher chronic renal failure generally have anemia, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, palpitations, and pallor. Additionally, patients may experience nausea and vomiting, which are primarily caused by an increase in toxins. Furthermore, patients may also exhibit symptoms such as edema and shortness of breath, as individuals with chronic renal failure typically experience reduced urine output. A higher intake than output over time can lead to an increased circulating blood volume, resulting in heart failure.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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Does chronic renal failure require dialysis?

Not all cases of chronic renal failure require dialysis. It is only considered when chronic renal failure progresses to an advanced stage, causing severe consequences, and the kidneys are unable to maintain normal body functions, leading to many complications. Generally, when chronic renal failure progresses to its final stage, i.e., uremia, the kidney function is left with about 10% capacity. The body then experiences a disruption in its internal environment, including the accumulation of a large amount of metabolic waste, serious electrolyte disorders, and severe metabolic acidosis. It is at this point that dialysis is considered. In the early stages of chronic renal failure, dialysis is not necessary.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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Is stage five chronic kidney failure serious?

Strictly speaking, there is no condition called "chronic renal failure stage five," but there is a term "chronic kidney disease stage five." Chronic kidney disease is divided into five stages based on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Stage five chronic kidney disease indicates that the patient's GFR is less than 15 milliliters per minute, which is about 15% of normal kidney function and is essentially equivalent to uremia. Therefore, chronic renal failure or chronic kidney disease stage five is very dangerous and can cause many complications. Moreover, this type of kidney failure is irreversible and incurable, and the patient may need to undergo dialysis or a kidney transplant.

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Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
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How can vomiting be alleviated in chronic renal failure?

There are many reasons why patients with chronic kidney failure experience vomiting. To alleviate vomiting, it is first necessary to clarify the cause of vomiting. Generally, if vomiting is caused by an excess of toxins, dialysis treatment may be needed at this time. If it is due to chronic gastritis, drugs that protect the gastric mucosa are needed. Additionally, if it is due to electrolyte disorders, it is essential to correct the electrolyte disturbance to alleviate the symptoms of vomiting. Furthermore, if the vomiting is caused by an infection leading to gastroenteritis, anti-infection drugs are required. Also, some patients with chronic kidney failure may experience nausea and vomiting due to very high blood pressure, which can lead to increased intracranial pressure; in this case, it is necessary to control the blood pressure and reduce intracranial pressure.