Renal failure, also known as end stage kidney failure or ESRD (end stage renal disease), refers to when the kidneys have stopped functioning properly. When the kidneys have stopped removing wastes, concentrating urine, and regulating other important body functions, the very serious condition of renal failure has occurred.

The kidneys are needed to be fully functioning for normal, day-to-day life to continue without serious treatment. Once kidney function has reached less than 10%, end stage kidney disease is in full effect. Chronic kidney disease is always the precursor to ESRD, sometimes taking 10 to 20 years to progress as the kidney function gradually gets worse. Once a patient is diagnosed with ESRD, they need either dialysis or a kidney transplant, depending on the patient’s physical condition. There are no other cures or treatment options for renal failure. Lab test results, the severity of symptoms and the patient’s readiness will determine when dialysis will begin. One should begin to prepare for dialysis before it is absolutely necessary and to prepare, the patient should learn all they can about the dialysis process, the different types of therapies available and deciding where to place the dialysis access.

If someone with serious renal failure chooses not to start treatment with dialysis or a kidney transplant, the buildup of fluids and waste products in the body will be fatal. It is important to mention that both of these treatments, however, do have serious risks and consequences and each person’s outcome will be different.

The most common causes of renal failure in the United States are diabetes and high blood pressure and symptoms may include general ill feeling, fatigue, generalized itching, headaches, appetite loss and nausea. Treating chronic kidney disease early on may delay or even prevent the progression to ESRD, although, in some cases, it may not be preventable.

Renal impairment is defined as the inability of the kidney to function in the capacity it was designed. The term renal impairment has been used interchangeably with renal failure when functions perform lower than 50%, and is also called “End Stage Renal Disease” when kidneys fail completely.

When the kidneys are unable to excrete wastes, concentrate urine, or conserve electrolytes like designed to function, then certain symptoms manifest. Renal impairment symptoms vary on a case by case basis, and may be either acute or chronic in condition. Early signs of renal impairment include sluggishness, fatigue, and mental dullness. As symptoms progress, anuria ,which is lessened or lack of urination, may surface. This can also be accompanied with symptoms like gastrointestinal bleeding, convulsions, malnutrition, and various forms of neuropathy. Skin color changes to a yellowish brown state have also been known to occur. In cases where conditions progress, congestive heart failure and hypertension occur because of hypervolema, which is fluid overload for the body.

Renal impairment has been known to occur as a result from other conditions. Treatment varies from fluid restriction to dialysis to organ replacement. Each case must be diagnosed individually for cause and symptoms to recommend treatment.