Recognizing Kidney Failure Early: What to Know About Symptoms and Causes
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- Kidney failure can progress quietly, with many patients noticing symptoms only after kidney function has declined significantly.
- The Health Ministry distinguishes acute kidney failure, which develops rapidly, from chronic kidney failure, which worsens over months and requires long-term care.
- Diabetes and uncontrolled hypertension are major risk factors, while warning signs can include swelling, shortness of breath, and changes in urination.
Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to filter metabolic waste from the blood and remove it through urine. When that happens, toxins and excess fluid can build up in the body, potentially leading to life-threatening complications if left untreated.
In its early stages, the condition often causes no distinctive signs or symptoms. As a result, many people do not realize they have kidney failure until it has progressed significantly.
According to the Indonesian Health Ministry’s official website, kidney failure generally falls into two main types. The first is acute kidney failure (also known as acute kidney injury), while the second is chronic kidney failure (often discussed as chronic kidney disease). The Health Ministry’s explanation has also been widely shared in local reporting, including coverage tagged under “gagal ginjal” (kidney failure).
Acute kidney failure refers to sudden kidney damage that can develop over hours or days. Chronic kidney failure, meanwhile, occurs when the kidneys sustain severe damage over a long period—typically more than three months. This damage is permanent, meaning patients need long-term management.
Acute kidney failure can be triggered by a range of medical conditions. These include severe burns, reduced blood flow to the kidneys due to bleeding, severe dehydration, shock, serious infections such as sepsis, kidney trauma, severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis, as well as a history of heart disease, liver failure, kidney stones, kidney infection, or kidney cancer.
Chronic kidney failure is more commonly linked to metabolic disease and lifestyle factors. Triggers include diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, prostate problems, obesity, smoking, kidney disease, autoimmune conditions, and congenital kidney disorders.
Risk is also influenced by factors that cannot be changed, such as family history, prior kidney disease, premature birth, age, trauma, and certain conditions including lupus, anemia, AIDS, and hepatitis C.
On the other hand, several risk factors can still be modified. These include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, excessive use of painkillers, drug abuse, and kidney inflammation.
People with kidney failure may experience a range of physical complaints. Common symptoms include high blood pressure, shortness of breath, changes in urination frequency and volume, blood in the urine, nausea and vomiting, weakness, and difficulty sleeping.
Other frequently reported complaints include swelling in the legs, ankles, and eyelids—especially in the morning. Patients may also experience reduced appetite, headaches, trouble concentrating, and persistent itchiness.
Indonesianpost.com | Republika
