Chronic kidney failure, also called chronic kidney disease, describes the
gradual loss of kidney function. Your kidneys filter wastes and excess fluids
from your blood, which are then excreted in your urine. When chronic kidney
failure reaches an advanced stage, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and
wastes can accumulate in your body.
How does kidney failure affect the blood?
In addition to uremia, kidney failure can also cause anemia, a condition in
which the red blood cells are fewer or smaller than normal, which means less
oxygen is carried to the body’s cells. Anemia can cause extreme fatigue and can
worsen existing heart problems.
Anemia is common in people with CKD, as well as those on dialysis, because
the damaged kidneys slow the production of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO),
which helps the bone marrow make red blood cells. Less EPO means the body has
fewer red blood cells, resulting in anemia. A synthetic form of EPO is commonly
prescribed for people on dialysis.
How does kidney failure affect the appetite?
People who have uremia often lose their appetite. Some people find that food
tastes different. Some no longer like foods they once craved. In fact, many
people feel sick to their stomach at the thought of eating. But getting enough
protein and calories is important for staying healthy. People with kidney
failure should talk with the renal dietitian at their dialysis clinic or
transplant center to find foods that are appealing and provide needed
nutrients.
How does kidney failure affect mental health?
Many people feel depressed when starting dialysis, or after several months of
treatment. Adjusting to the effects of kidney failure and the time spent on
dialysis can be difficult. People on dialysis also have less energy. They need
to make changes in their work or home life, giving up some activities and
responsibilities. Keeping to a schedule can be difficult when kidneys fail.
Accepting this new situation can be hard. A mental health counselor or renal
social worker can help people who are approaching total kidney failure and those
starting dialysis. People who have kidney failure and depression should not keep
their depression to themselves or assume they can handle their problems on their
own. They should tell their health care provider because depression can often be
treated with adjustments to the diet and dialysis dose, medications, and
counseling. Scientists are also studying the use of cognitive behavioral
therapy—a way of correcting harmful thought and behavior patterns—to treat
depression in people with total kidney failure.
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