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III. What Happens When Your Kidneys Don't Work
If disease or injury causes both kidneys to fail, the blood has no way to get rid of its waste products. Eventually, these waste products may build up to levels that are toxic to your body. This condition is called uremia or uremic poisoning. These are some of the problems that may occur if waste products continue to pile up:
- You may accumulate too much fluid (fluid overload), a condition marked by shortness of breath due to congestion of the lungs, swelling in the hands and feet (edema) and high blood pressure.
- Decreased production of a hormone called erythropoietin, or EPO, can lead to anemia, a condition characterized by paleness and extreme fatigue.
- An imbalance of calcium and phosphorus in the blood may cause bone disease.
- Your blood may lose its ability to clot properly, causing a tendency to bruise and bleed easily.
- The outside lining of your heart may become irritated, a condition called pericarditis.
- Nerves may become affected, causing weakness, tingling and twitching.
- Your brain may be affected, causing mental confusion, and possibly even seizures.
- Your immune system may be weakened, making infection more likely.
- Too much potassium may build up and disturb heart function - even to the point where it could cause a heart attack.
