ESRD is when the kidneys stop working well enough for you to live without dialysis or a transplant. This kind of kidney failure is permanent. It cannot be fixed. Most cases of ESRD are caused by diabetes or high blood pressure. Some problems you are born with, some reactions to medicines, and some injuries can also cause ESRD. If you have ESRD, you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant to live.
Symptoms of ESRD
General ill feeling and fatigue
- Generalized itching (pruritus) and dry skin
- Headaches
- Weight loss without trying
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
Other symptoms may develop, including:
- Abnormally dark or light skin and changes in nails
- Bone pain
- Brain and nervous system symptoms
- Drowsiness and confusion
- Problems concentrating or thinking
- Numbness in the hands, feet, or other areas
- Muscle twitching or cramps
- Breath odor
- Easy bruising, nosebleeds, or blood in the stool
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent hiccups
- Low level of sexual interest and impotence
- Menstrual periods stop (amenorrhea)
- Sleep problems, such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome, orobstructive sleep apnea
- Swelling of the feet and hands (edema)
- Vomiting, especially in the morning
Prevention of ESRD
The best way to prevent ESRD is to prevent CKD. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of CKD. You can help to protect your kidneys by keeping these in control. Get your blood sugar and blood pressure checked often.
You an also help protect your kidneys with other healthy habits. You should:
Have regular check-ups with your doctor
- Eat a low-fat, low-salt diet
- Exercise most days of the week
- Avoid tobacco
- Drink alcohol only in moderation
Also, take medicines the way your doctor tells you. Talk to your doctor before you start any new medicine or supplement.
Possible Complications
- Anemia
- Bleeding from the stomach or intestines
- Bone, joint, and muscle pain
- Brain dysfunction, confusion, and dementia
- Changes in electrolyte levels
- Changes in blood sugar (glucose)
- Damage to nerves of the legs and arms
- Fluid buildup around the lungs
- Heart and blood vessel complications
- Congestive heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- High blood pressure
- Pericarditis
- Stroke
- Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, liver failure
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Increased risk of infections
- Malnutrition
- Phosphorous levels become too high
- Potassium levels become too high
- Seizures
- Skin dryness, itching/scratching, leading to skin infection
- Weakening of the bones, fractures, joint disorders
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