End-stage renal disease or end-stage kidney disease is a life-threatening condition whereby your kidneys do not work as they should to meet your body’s needs. It occurs when chronic kidney disease progresses to an advanced stage where the kidneys do not function. The kidneys are two organs in your body that filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. When they lose their filtering ability, dangerous electrolytes, fluid, and waste levels accumulate in your body. For patients with end-stage kidney disease, Ghayyath Sultan, M.D. recommends dialysis or a kidney transplant.
What are the symptoms of end-stage kidney disease?
Before chronic kidney disease progresses to end-stage kidney disease, you may have no signs and symptoms. But as the kidneys continue to lose function gradually, you may develop signs and symptoms such as:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Chet pain. This occurs when fluids build up around the lining of the heart
- Shortness of breath due to fluid buildup in the lungs
- Hypertension that is difficult to control
- Swelling of feet and ankles
- Headaches
- Difficulty sleeping
- Metallic taste
- Persistent itching
- Decreased mental sharpness
- Muscle twitches and cramps
- Constant itching
These signs as symptoms are non-specific, meaning they can result from other illnesses. Because your kidneys can make up for lost function, signs and symptoms may not appear until the damage is irreversible. Make an appointment to see your healthcare provider if you have the signs and symptoms of end-stage kidney disease.
What causes end-stage kidney disease?
End-stage kidney disease gradually develops when an illness or condition affects kidney function, causing kidney damage over months or years. Sometimes kidney damage continues to progress even after resolving the underlying issue. Examples of diseases and conditions that can cause kidney disease include:
- High blood pressure
- Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- Inflammation of the glomeruli (glomerulonephritis)
- Recurrent kidney infection
- Chronic obstruction of the urinary tract. This can be due to an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, or some cancers.
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Interstitial nephritis
Risk factors for end-stage kidney disease
Some factors increase the risk of chronic kidney disease progressing to end-stage renal disease. These include:
- Tobacco use
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Inflammation of the kidney structures that filter wastes from the blood
- High blood pressure
- Prolonged use of medications that damage the kidneys
- Family history of kidney disease
- Old age
Complications of end-stage kidney disease
Unfortunately, kidney damage is irreversible once it occurs. Possible complications can affect almost any body part. Complications that may result from end-stage kidney disease include:
- Increased risk of bone fractures due to weak bones
- Heart disease
- Hyperkalemia – a sudden rise in potassium levels
- Fluid retention results in swelling in your legs and arms. This can also cause high blood pressure and pulmonary edema.
- Anemia
- Sexual problems like decreased sex drive, reduced fertility, or erectile dysfunction
- Increased vulnerability to infections due to decreased immune response
- Pregnancy complications put the mother and baby at risk
- Damage to the central nervous system causes personality changes, seizures, or problems concentrating.
- Malnutrition
If any of the risks of end-stage kidney disease apply to you, consult your healthcare provider at Houston Kidney Specialists Center to know how to lower your risk of this condition.
