Kidney Failure

The kidneys are two vital organs that play important roles in keeping you healthy. They are found beneath your ribcage on both sides of your spine. You can live well with just one kidney, as long as it’s working properly.

The kidneys filter waste products and excess fluid from your blood so your body can get rid of it in urine, regulate your electrolyte levels and help control your blood pressure. 

What is kidney failure?

Kidney failure, also called renal failure, end-stage renal disease or end-stage kidney disease, happens when your kidneys can no longer perform these functions effectively. Waste can then build up in your body and cause serious health issues.

Kidney failure is the most severe stage of kidney disease and medical care is necessary.

Types of kidney failure

There are two main types of kidney failure, acute and chronic.

Acute kidney failure

Acute kidney failure, also called acute renal failure or acute kidney injury, develops suddenly, usually in hours or days. It happens when blood flow to your kidneys is slow, urine is blocked or your kidneys are damaged. You could have acute kidney failure due to:

• Severe dehydration
• Blood loss
• Urinary tract obstruction
• Certain medications
• Injury
• Serious infection
• Severe burns
• Heart attack
• Liver failure
• Kidney stones
• Serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• Nerve damage
• Certain types of cancer, including kidney cancer 
• Other conditions that block urine from leaving the body or damage the kidneys

If you are suffering from acute kidney failure, you’ll need immediate medical attention. With timely treatment, it may be reversible.

Chronic kidney failure

Chronic kidney failure gets worse over time, usually due to long-term conditions like diabetes or hypertension. In later stages, you may need dialysis or a kidney transplant to treat chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Causes of kidney disease

The most common causes of kidney disease that can lead to kidney failure are:

• Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the kidneys. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure.
• High blood pressure: Hypertension may cause hardening of the arteries that can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and the extra force on the blood vessels can damage your kidneys.
• Kidney infections: Untreated infections can lead to kidney damage.
• Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like lupus and IgA nephropathy can affect the way your kidneys’ function.

Other causes include:

• Genetic disorders such as polycystic kidney disease
• Fabry disease
• Glomerular diseases
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Long-lasting dehydration
• Exposure to toxins
• Long-term urinary tract blockages or urine backing up into your kidneys

Risk factors for kidney disease

Certain factors can increase your risk of kidney disease and potentially lead to kidney failure.

• Being over age 60
• Having pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure
• Having a family history of kidney disease
• Kidneys that aren’t shaped normally
• Black, Hispanic, Native American, Alaska Native or First Nation race or ethnicity
• A long history of taking painkillers, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Lifestyle choices such as a poor diet, lack of exercise or smoking 

While you can’t control all of the risk factors for kidney disease, you can lower your risk. It can help to:

• Choose a healthy, plant-based diet, like the Mediterranean diet 
• Get regular physical activity
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Monitor your blood pressure
• Manage diabetes 
• Avoid smoking and tobacco products
• Limit or avoid alcohol
• Treat any infections right away
• Take pain medications only as directed
• See your health care provider regularly

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of kidney problems can help you get the care you need and avoid complications. Learn about signs, symptoms, diagnosis and complications of kidney failure.