The kidneys are an incredibly important part of human anatomy that protects the body from the negative health affects that result from the accumulation of excess water and waste. While the kidneys are primarily responsible for filtering harmful water and waste particles from the blood, they also serve many other purposes that are essential to maintaining optimal levels of human health. Since the number of new renal failure cases has been increasing in the United States over the past several decades, many more people are experiencing the uncomfortable signs and symptoms of a decrease in renal function. Increased public awareness about the affects of kidney failure may be one way to teach people about the steps they can take to decrease the risk of developing the disease.

There are many signs and symptoms of kidney failure that develop over a long period of time and that may go unnoticed in people who are not familiar with what to look for. One of the most obvious affects of failing kidneys is the buildup of excess water and waste in the bloodstream. This condition is commonly known as uremia and it can result in a number of concerning complications. A few of the most disturbing side effects of uremia include swelling in the face, hands, and feet; difficulty breathing; foamy urine; fluctuations in urine production; itching; bad breath; a metallic taste in the mouth; nausea; yellowing of the skin; and discomfort around the kidneys. Each of these symptoms is common in kidney failure and may be accompanied by loss of visual acuity, muscle weakness and pain, constipation or diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue. An appreciation for the fact that these conditions may be an indication of chronic kidney problems is the first step in understanding and treating the disease.

While the kidneys main function is to filter the blood, they also produce an important hormone known as erythropoietin (EPO) that has the role of communicating the need for more red blood cells to the bone marrow. If the kidneys have been damaged, they may no longer produce the appropriate amount of EPO. This results in a condition known as anemia and it can lead to a decrease in the delivery of oxygen to the cells throughout the body. Common signs and symptoms of anemia include weakness, fatigue, cold hands and feet, mental instability, and pale skin. Left ventricular hypertrophy may also develop as a result of too few red blood cells circulating through the body. This is a condition where the left ventricle enlarges to compensate for oxygen deprivation and it may cause heart failure.

Another important hormone produced by the kidneys is called calcitriol (active Vitamin D). This hormone is essential in helping to facilitate the absorption of dietary calcium from the gastrointestinal tract. When the kidneys become damaged, they no longer produce normal levels of calcitriol. This leads to decreased calcium absorption and causes the parathyroid glands to produce a hormone known as parathyroid hormone (PTH) that removes calcium from the bones. The prolonged hyperactivity of the parathyroid glands results in a condition that is known as secondary hyperparathyroidism. High PTH levels lead to weakening of the bones, calcium deposits in the blood vessels, joint pain, muscle pain, and weakness. Because this condition can be difficult to treat, it can cause severe health problems in renal failure patients.

Uremia, anemia, and secondary hyperparathyroidism are only a few of the many signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease. Individuals who feel that they may be suffering from kidney failure should also be aware that they may experience pericarditis, amyloidosis, nerve damage, sleeping problems, and electrolyte imbalances. Dialysis technicians are encouraged to inform patients about these effects so that they understand what to look for if they are at risk of developing kidney damage. Knowledge of these signs and symptoms is also an important tool in raising public awareness about the dangers of kidney failure.