Renal Insufficiency Symptoms
Renal insufficiency is another term for kidney failure. This is a serious condition in which your kidneys stop performing the function they are designed for. This means waste can't be cleared from your system. Waste building up instead of being processed out can lead to serious problems and may be deadly.
Renal insufficiency is a shutting down of the kidneys. When the kidneys fail to operate properly waste and excess water can build up in the system creating devastating results. Understanding the symptoms will help you communicate concerns with your doctor in time to start treatment.
Acute Renal Insufficiency
Acute renal insufficiency is a form of the disease which presents itself very quickly. This can be caused from certain drugs, surgical procedures or injury. Symptoms of acute insufficiency can include inability to urinate, fluid retention, swelling of the ankles, confusion, tremors, increased blood pressure and loss of appetite. Certain pain medications, including over the counter NSAIDs can cause this type of renal insufficiency. If you're on medication or are recovering from an injury or surgery, and any of these symptoms present themselves, you should contact your doctor right away.
Chronic Renal Insufficiency
Chronic insufficiency generally starts slowly. Unlike acute insufficiency you may not notice serious symptoms at first. Early stage symptoms can be increased blood pressure, change in appetite and frequent headaches. Blood work can be done to see if there is an early problem.
Later stages may show more symptoms. In more advanced cases a patient may notice muscle weakness, changes in skin color, difficulty breathing, fluid retention, bruising and changes in libido. By this point dialysis is usually necessary.
Signs in Children
Since children can't always articulate changes there are several things you can watch for in kids. Growth is typically affected in children with renal insufficiency. Weight loss, confusion and less frequent urination can all be signs of a problem.