End-stage kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), is the final stage of chronic kidney disease. At this point, the kidneys have lost nearly all of their ability to filter waste, balance fluids, and control other important body functions.
When kidneys stop working properly, toxins and fluids build up in the body, leading to a wide range of symptoms. Knowing the signs of end-stage kidney failure is important for patients and caregivers so they can seek treatment and support as early …
One of the most noticeable symptoms is extreme tiredness. This kind of fatigue goes beyond feeling a little sleepy—it’s a deep exhaustion that doesn’t go away with rest. It happens because the kidneys can no longer remove waste from the blood, and the body’s red blood cell count drops, leading to anemia. People may feel weak, dizzy, or short of breath during simple activities.
Swelling is another common sign. When kidneys can’t remove excess fluid, it builds up in the legs, ankles, feet, hands, or even the face. This is called edema. The swelling can become painful and make it hard to move or sleep comfortably.
People with end-stage kidney failure may also notice changes in urination. Some may urinate very little, while others may pass more urine than usual but still feel like their body is not getting rid of waste properly. The urine may be foamy, dark, or contain blood.
Shortness of breath can happen when fluid builds up in the lungs. This can make it hard to lie flat in bed and cause coughing or a feeling of pressure in the chest. In some cases, this can become a medical emergency.
Nausea, vomiting, and a metallic taste in the mouth are also common. As waste products build up in the blood, they can affect the digestive system and make food taste unpleasant. This often leads to poor appetite and unintentional weight loss.
Confusion, trouble concentrating, and memory problems may appear as toxins affect the brain. Some people may seem forgetful or have difficulty focusing on conversations. In severe cases, this can lead to seizures or coma.
Itchy skin is another symptom caused by the buildup of waste and minerals in the blood. The itching can be intense and constant, especially at night. This can disturb sleep and affect quality of life.
Muscle cramps, especially in the legs, often occur due to imbalances in calcium, phosphorus, and other electrolytes. These cramps can be painful and happen frequently.
Research from the National Kidney Foundation and the Mayo Clinic shows that these symptoms tend to worsen as kidney function declines. End-stage kidney failure usually requires dialysis, a treatment that removes waste and excess fluid from the blood, or a kidney transplant. Without treatment, the condition is life-threatening.
Recognizing the symptoms of kidney failure is important for timely care. If someone has been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and starts experiencing these symptoms, they should speak with their doctor right away. Managing symptoms and planning for treatment early can greatly improve comfort, safety, and quality of life in the final stages of kidney disease.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about how to protect your kidneys from diabetes, and drinking coffee could help reduce risk of kidney injury.
For more information about kidney health, please see recent studies about foods that may prevent recurrence of kidney stones, and eating nuts linked to lower risk of chronic kidney disease and death.
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