Feeling Faint Dizzy Or Weak
Why this happens:
Anemia related to kidney failure means that your brain is not getting enough oxygen. This can lead to feeling faint, dizzy, or weak.
What patients said:
I was always tired and dizzy.
It got to the point, like, I used to be at work, and all of the sudden Iâd start getting dizzy. So I was thinking maybe it was my blood pressure or else diabetes was going bad. Thatâs what was on my mind.
When Can Kidney Failure Be Reversed
Before we go into specific types of kidney failures, it is important to understand the basic concept of when kidney failure can be reversed and how to recognize those situations.
These are the common features of all reversible kidney failures:
Treatment For Acute Kidney Failure Caused By Sepsis
When someone has sepsis or septic shock, the doctors work to treat the sepsis, the infection that caused the sepsis, and the damage that the sepsis has done, such as the kidney failure.
If the kidneys are not working efficiently enough to filter toxins and allow urine to flow, an artificial way of filtering the kidneys, dialysis, will be needed. Dialysis is not a cure but it gives the doctors a way to clean the blood while they try to get everything else under control. There are two types of dialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Peritoneal dialysis is generally used for people with chronic kidney failure, but it can be used for acute kidney failure where hemodialysis isnt possible, in areas with limited resources. For example, peritoneal dialysis has been used in Africa, for patients who have malaria-associated acute kidney injury.
With hemodialysis, a machine, called a hemodializer, is the artificial kidney. A catheter is inserted into the patients vein and the other end of the catheter leads into the hemodializer. When the process starts, blood flows a few ounces at a time, from the patients body to the machine, where it is filtered and then sent back through the catheter to the body.
In acute kidney failure, dialysis is usually considered a temporary measure as the doctors work to fix the problem that caused the kidneys to stop working effectively. If the kidneys begin to work properly again, even if not at 100 percent, dialysis usually is no longer needed.
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What Are Dialysis And Hemodialysis
Dialysis cleanses the body of waste products by body by use of filter systems. There are two types of dialysis, 1) hemodialysis and 2) peritoneal dialysis.
Hemodialysis uses a machine filter called a dialyzer or artificial kidney to remove excess water and salt, to balance the other electrolytes in the body, and to remove waste products of metabolism. Blood is removed from the body and flows through tubing into the machine, where it passes next to a filter membrane. A specialized chemical solution flows on the other side of the membrane. The dialysate is formulated to draw impurities from the blood through the filter membrane. Blood and dialysate are never touched in the artificial kidney machine.
For this type of dialysis, access to the blood vessels needs to be surgically created so that large amounts of blood can flow into the machine and back to the body. Surgeons can build a fistula, a connection between a large artery and vein in the body, usually in the arm, that allows a large amount of blood to flow into the vein. This makes the vein swell or dilate, and its walls become thicker so that it can tolerate repeated needle sticks to attach tubing from the body to the machine. Since it takes many weeks or months for a fistula to mature enough to be used, significant planning is required if hemodialysis is to be considered as an option.
Causes Of Chronic Renal Failure
- A prolonged urinary tract obstruction or blockage.
- Alport syndrome. An inherited disorder that causes deafness, progressive kidney damage, and eye defects.
- Nephrotic syndrome. A condition that has several different causes. Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by protein in the urine, low protein in the blood, high cholesterol levels, and tissue swelling.
- Polycystic kidney disease. A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts filled with fluid in the kidneys.
- Cystinosis. An inherited disorder in which the amino acid cystine accumulates within specific cellular bodies of the kidney, known as lysosomes.
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About Chronic Kidney Disease
CKD is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as well as they should. Because of this, excess fluid and waste from blood remain in the body and may cause other health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.
15% of US adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease, that is about 37 million people.
Some other health consequences of CKD include:
- Anemia or low number of red blood cells
- Increased occurrence of infections
- Low calcium levels, high potassium levels, and high phosphorus levels in the blood
- Loss of appetite or eating less
- Depression or lower quality of life
CKD has varying levels of seriousness. It usually gets worse over time though treatment has been shown to slow progression. If left untreated, CKD can progress to kidney failure and early cardiovascular disease. When the kidneys stop working, dialysis or kidney transplant is needed for survival. Kidney failure treated with dialysis or kidney transplant is called end-stage renal disease . Learn more about ESRD.
Not all patients with kidney disease progress to kidney failure. To help prevent CKD and lower the risk for kidney failure, control risk factors for CKD, get tested yearly, make lifestyle changes, take medicine as needed, and see your health care team regularly.
When And What To Discuss With Doctor About Stage 4 Ckd
Having a close relationship with your doctor is vital for optimal kidney disease treatment. You should disclose any problems and concerns that you may be having as well as symptoms that develop. This is important as your doctor will be able to pick out and investigate potential problems before they become any more serious.
For the sake of convenience, you may discuss with your doctor your dialysis options and whether you can perform dialysis from the comfort of your own home. Speaking directly to a nephrologist will also provide more insight into your condition.
Those with stage 4 kidney disease are expected to visit their doctor at least every three months, getting a full workup and making sure the treatment plan is working well.
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Kidney Failure Life Expectancy
Its not possible to know exactly how long a person with kidney failure will live. Every person with kidney failure is different.
In general, the National Kidney Foundation says that a person on dialysis can expect to live for an average of 5 to 10 years as long as they follow their treatment. Some people live for more than 20 or 30 years.
Factors that can play a role in life expectancy include your:
- age
- stage of kidney disease
- other coexisting conditions
Once you reach end stage kidney failure, you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant to live. Missing even one dialysis treatment can decrease your life expectancy.
What Happens If My Kidneys Fail Completely
Complete and irreversible kidney failure is sometimes called end-stage renal disease, or ESRD. If your kidneys stop working completely, your body fills with extra water and waste products. This condition is called uremia. Your hands or feet may swell. You will feel tired and weak because your body needs clean blood to function properly.
Untreated uremia may lead to seizures or coma and will ultimately result in death. If your kidneys stop working completely, you will need to undergo dialysis or kidney transplant.
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What Are The Treatment Options For Kidney Failure
If you have kidney failure , you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant to live. There is no cure for ESRD, but many people live long lives while on dialysis or after having a kidney transplant.
There are just a few options for treating kidney failure, including kidney transplant and several types of dialysis. Your doctor can help you figure out which treatment is best for you. Learn more about the treatment options for kidney failure.
When Should I Call The Doctor
A nephrologist receives special training in kidney evaluation and treatment. You may benefit from a kidney specialists expert opinion if:
- You have trouble keeping your blood pressure levels in a normal range, even with medication.
- Your blood sugar levels fluctuate widely.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/10/2018.
References
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Symptoms Of Kidney Failure
You may at first be unaware your kidneys are not working properly, as symptoms do not initially show up in the early stages of kidney failure. Your body is able to adapt for a period of time, so you may not recognize any signs until severe damage has occurred. As your kidney begin to lose function, certain symptoms can pop up to alarm you to seek medical assistance.
Renal failure symptoms that indicate a serious problem include:
| Nausea and vomiting |
| High blood pressure |
Can A Dog Recover From Acute Kidney Failure
This is most definitely a question that we have now answered throughout all of the information weve talked about today. Can a dog recover from acute kidney failure? Certainly but probabilities are low. And chances are, if your dog suffers from acute kidney failure, you need to get them to the vet for immediate treatment. The longer your pup goes without treatment, the less chance they have to recover.
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How Do I Cope With Kidney Failure
Learning you have kidney failure can be a shock, even if you have known for a long time that your kidneys were not working well. You may feel sad or anxious.
Reach out for support from your health care team and your family, friends and community. They can help you make changes to feel your best while you get dialysis and may be waiting for a kidney transplant.
To feel your best, your doctors will recommend that you:
- Go to every dialysis visit and consider getting a kidney transplant.
- Have visits with a nephrologist.
- Meet with a dietitian to help you create and follow a kidney-friendly eating plan.
- Keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. They may prescribe blood pressure medicines
- Keep your blood sugar at a healthy level if you have diabetes.
- Be active for 30 minutes on most days of the week.
- Drink less alcohol and quit smoking or using tobacco.
S To Take At Stage 5 Kidney Disease
- See a nephrologist regularlyIts important to have your labs and symptoms monitored closely to track progression. Continue to see your primary care doctor and any other specialists to monitor any other health conditions.
- Continue following a kidney-friendly dietA healthy stage 5 kidney disease diet may involve limiting or monitoring your intake of things like potassium, phosphorus, sodium, or fluids. If you plan to start dialysis, your dietary needs may change. Talk to your renal dietitian about which kidney-friendly foods are the best choices for you. Eating well can help you stay your healthiest and feel your best.
- Meet with your insurance coordinatorWhen preparing for treatment, make sure you have your best possible health insurance coverage. Before making any changes to your plan, talk to your insurance coordinator to help you understand your health coverage options.
- Prepare for treatmentIf youve chosen home dialysis, prepare your treatment space and learn what to expect from your dialysis training. If youve chosen in-center dialysis, schedule a tour with your local dialysis center.
- Build your support networkReach out to people who care about you and can help support you. Friends, family, and your care team all want you to feel your best.
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What Is Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdominal cavity as the dialysis filter to rid the body of waste and to balance electrolyte levels. A catheter is placed in the abdominal cavity through the abdominal wall by a surgeon, and it is expected to remain in place for the long-term. The dialysis solution is then dripped in through the catheter and left in the abdominal cavity for a few hours after which, it is drained out. During that time, waste products leech from the blood flowing through the lining of the abdomen , and attach themselves to the fluid that has been instilled by the catheters. Often, patients instill the dialysate fluid before bedtime, and drain it in the morning.
There are benefits and complications for each type of dialysis. Not every patient can choose which type he or she would prefer. The treatment decision depends on the patientâs illness and their past medical history along with other issues. Usually, the nephrologist will have a long discussion with the patient and family to decide what will be the best option available.
Dialysis is lifesaving. Without it, patients whose kidneys no longer function would die relatively quickly due to electrolyte abnormalities and the buildup of toxins in the blood stream. Patients may live many years with dialysis but other underlying and associated illnesses often are the cause of death.
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What Does Chronic Renal Failure Mean
Many people think that chronic kidney failure or chronic renal failure means that the kidneys have stopped working and are not making urine. Fortunately, this is not the case. By definition, chronic renal failure is the inability of the kidneys to efficiently filter the blood of its physiological waste products, not the inability to produce urine. Ironically, most dogs in kidney failure produce large quantities of urine, but the bodys toxic wastes are not being effectively eliminated.
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Acute Renal Failurewhen Kidneys Suddenly Stop Working
If you are confused about the difference between acute renal failure and chronic kidney failure, you came to the right place. Chronic kidney failure is a condition where the kidneys ability to filter waste from the bloodstream becomes worse over time, generally over a period of years.
Acute kidney failure is the sudden loss of this important ability. If your kidneys have experienced a direct injury or an obstruction, you are at risk. Although the condition can be life-threatening, it can also be reversible.
What else should I know about acute kidney failure?
Acute kidney failure is the sudden and dramatic loss of kidney function. This condition develops rapidly, often in just a few days.
Healthy kidneys filter and remove wastes and excess fluid from blood and turn it into urine. When you encounter acute kidney failure, the kidneys are operating at less than 10 percent of normal function. This means wastes such as creatinine and urea nitrogen build up in the bloodstream. If this waste is not removed, you can feel extremely ill.
What causes acute renal failure?
Renal failure symptoms can be difficult to detect. Acute renal failure may occur for a variety of reasons:
- A crush-type injury may damage internal organs, including the kidneys
- Over-exposure to metals, solvents and certain antibiotics and medication
- A kidney infection may cause them to shut down
What are the symptoms of acute kidney failure?
- Nausea
Will Kidney Failure Affect My Sleep
People who have kidney failure may have trouble sleeping. Sleep loss can affect your quality of life, energy level, and mood. Restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, pain, or itching may make it hard for you to sleep.
You can take a number of steps to improve your sleep habits. For example, physical activity during the day and a warm bath before bed may help you sleep better at night. Avoid caffeine after lunchtime. Avoid alcoholic drinks before bed. Avoid smoking.
Talk with your health care provider if you often feel sleepy during the day or have trouble sleeping at night. Health care providers can treat sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome.
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Several Changes On The Bloodwork Suggest Kidney Failure:
- Increased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels: BUN and creatinine are waste products that normal-functioning kidneys easily eliminate.
- Reduced potassium
- Elevated phosphorus
- Anemia
A relatively new blood test that measures a substance called SDMA helps to diagnose kidney failure even earlier than can be done with routine bloodwork.
On a urinalysis, dilute urine would suggest kidney failure, especially if the bloodwork shows elevated BUN and creatinine. Protein may also be present in the urine.
Because hypertension can cause kidney failure, a veterinarian may also take a cats blood pressure to help confirm a kidney failure diagnosis.