Last updated: Nov 25, 2025Published on: Nov 25, 2025
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Did you know that approximately 35% of individuals over 70 years of age are affected with some stage of chronic kidney disease1? Chronic kidney disease is a gradual loss of kidney function which can often lead to kidney failure, if left untreated2.
If you are facing symptoms such as tiredness, swelling in your body, unexplained weight gain, and changes in how often you pee, these can be warning signs of kidney failure.Here, we will explore the causes, symptoms and the best methods that can help manage your condition along with medical treatment.
What is Kidney Failure?
The kidneys are mainly responsible for regulating the fluid balance, and elimination of the waste products through urine. When your kidneys are not functioning effectively, there is an accumulation of waste and fluid buildup in your body2. If it reaches to a point where your kidney function goes down to 15% of normal, you are said to be suffering from kidney failure4.
If left untreated, kidney failure can affect your heart, brain, blood pressure, and more as it can impact many systems in your body4.
How Common is Kidney Failure?
Kidney failure, the final stage of chronic kidney disease, affects millions of individuals. Around 1 in every 7-8 individuals across the world suffer from chronic kidney disease1, and without proper treatment these cases can progress to kidney failure.Studies have shown that males are more likely to develop end stage kidney disease (1.6 times more common in males than females)5.
Early detection of chronic kidney disease and prompt medical care is essential in stopping its progression to kidney failure2.
Types of Kidney Failure
Kidney failure can be broadly classified into 2 types3,6:
Acute Kidney Failure: This condition occurs when there is a sudden, temporary loss of kidney function (generally less than 3 months). It occurs in response to an injury or illness. If left untreated, it may progress to chronic kidney disease.
Chronic Kidney Failure: This condition occurs when irreversible kidney damage has taken place or when you present with reduced kidney function for more than 3 months. If left untreated, you may notice a constant decline in your kidney’s function.
If you are suffering from any kidney disease, consult your doctor to understand the type of kidney failure you have and seek medical care to prevent the progression of your condition3,6.
Stages of Kidney Failure
Kidney disease can be evaluated and staged based on 2 tests2,7:
Urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR): A urine test to check whether your kidneys are leaking albumin or protein into your urine, which may indicate kidney damage.
Stage
eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m²)
Implication
Stage 1
90 or higher
Normal or Mild kidney damage
Stage 2
60-89
Mild kidney damage
Stage 3a
45-59
Mild to moderate loss of kidney function
Stage 3b
30-44
Moderate to severe loss of kidney function
Stage 4
15-29
Severe loss of kidney function
Stage 5
Less than 15
Kidney failure
Level
ACR
Implication
A1
Less than 30
Normal
A2
30-299
Increased
A3
300 or higher
Severely increased
If you present with an eGFR of less than 60 and/or an ACR of higher than 30 for a period of 3 months or longer, you should consult your doctor as these values indicate signs of kidney failure2.
Symptoms of Kidney Failure
Your symptoms may develop slowly, and you may not even notice them. Kidney failure symptoms include2,4:
Swelling or oedema especially in feet and ankles
Headaches
Itchiness
Weakness and fatigue
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
Muscle cramps, numbness, and weakness
Shortness of breath due to fluid buildup in lungs
Altered mental state (confusion, memory problems)
Chest pain caused by inflammation of heart lining (pericardium) in individuals with severe kidney disease.
Changes in urination (waking up in the night to urinate or blood in urine)
If you are facing any of these kidney failure symptoms, it is best to consult your doctor and get prompt medical care4.
Diabetes: Individuals with Type 2 diabetes have a 30-50% chance and individuals with Type 1 diabetes have a 3.9% chance of developing kidney failure2. High blood sugar can damage your kidney’s filters thereby allowing vital proteins to be passed in urine8.
Hypertension: About 85% of individuals with chronic kidney disease have hypertension or high blood pressure2. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels and filtering system of kidney, thereby increasing your blood pressure8.
In India, diabetes and hypertension account for 40-60% of chronic kidney disease which may progress to kidney failure10. Other causes of kidney failure include2,8,9:
Inflammation of the kidney (glomerulonephritis)
Polycystic kidney disease which causes the formation of cysts in your kidneys thereby impairing its function
Medications that cause harm to the kidneys such as long-term use of NSAIDs
Obstruction of your urinary tract due to conditions such as kidney stones or tumours
Acute kidney injury
Autoimmune conditions in which the body attacks its own cells and organs. This can be seen in conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus and Goodpasture’s disease
Identification and understanding the cause of your kidney failure is essential for effective treatment and preventing further harm to your kidneys8.
Risk Factors
You are at a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease and kidney failure if you have11:
Diabetes
High blood pressure or hypertension
Heart disease or heart failure
Obesity (BMI of 30 or more)
60 years of age or above
Family history of chronic kidney disease
History of acute kidney injury
Smoking or the use of tobacco products
Knowing the risk factors helps you to understand your level of risk and if you should get checked for kidney failure11.
Complications of Kidney Failure
The main complications of kidney failure include2,3:
Salt and fluid imbalance: Kidney failure causes problems with salt and fluid balance, often leading to swelling or oedema.
Hypertension: Hypertension or high blood pressure occurs due to fluid buildup.
Increased potassium levels in blood
Metabolic acidosis: A condition in which your kidneys are unable to remove the acids from your body which can lead to easy breakdown of bones.
Anaemia: Kidney failure leads to low red blood cell counts and symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
Weakened bones: High phosphorus levels which can lead to weakened bones, leading to fractures.
Cognitive impairment: Difficulty concentrating, problems with memory and thinking.
Complications during pregnancy
Heart diseases: Increased risk of heart diseases in these individuals due to the strain on the cardiovascular system.
Insulin resistance: In kidney failure, the body often becomes less responsive to insulin, which can lead to diabetes and heart disease. This occurs mainly due to inflammation and other metabolic changes caused by kidney problems.
Kidney failure can lead to various serious complications that impact multiple organs. Therefore, early kidney failure treatment is essential for overall health2.
Diagnosis
Your doctor may suggest certain blood tests, urine tests, imaging tests and biopsy for the diagnosis of your kidney failure. These include2,12,13:
Blood Tests:
Glomerular filtration rate: Checks the filtering capacity of your kidneys. GFR of less than 60 may indicate chronic kidney disease2,7.
Serum creatinine test: Check the amount of creatinine (waste product) in your blood. Hence, elevated levels indicate kidney failure.
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): Measures the amount of urea nitrogen (waste product) in your blood. Increased levels indicate improper kidney function.
Urine Tests:
Urine albumin-creatinine test: Checks the levels of albumin and creatinine in your urine to detect kidney disease.
Urinalysis: Checks for the presence of any protein, abnormal cells, or blood in urine
Imaging Tests:
Ultrasound: If an ultrasound shows that the kidneys are small with thinner outer layers, scarring, or containing many cysts, it may indicate chronic kidney disease
Computed tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides a clearer picture of the kidney’s size, structure, drainage system, and check if there’s any blockage
Renal angiography: Used to look for diseases in the blood vessels of your kidneys, such as narrowing or bulging areas (aneurysms)
Biopsy: A biopsy of your kidney involves taking a small sample of your kidney tissue to evaluate the cause of kidney damage and the extent of damage.
Other Tests:
Electrolyte panel: Measures the levels of your body’s main electrolytes such as sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, etc14.
Early detection using these tests is key as kidney failure symptoms do not appear in the early stages.
Dialysis: Artificially removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood.
Haemodialysis: Blood is filtered through a machine outside the body, usually 3 times a week at a dialysis center or at home.
Peritoneal Dialysis: Uses the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) as a natural filter. A cleansing fluid is introduced into the abdomen and then drained, which can be done at home or overnight.
Kidney Transplant: A healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor is surgically placed into your body. This can restore kidney function without ongoing dialysis, but requires lifelong use of immunosuppressive medicines to prevent rejection.
Medications: Medications such as blood pressure medications (such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs), diuretics, erythropoietin (to treat anaemia), and vitamin D supplements can help manage symptoms and complications of kidney failure.
Lifestyle Modifications: Dietary changes (low salt, low potassium, controlled protein), fluid restriction, and regular exercise can help slow disease progression and manage complications.
Supportive Care: For those who choose not to undergo dialysis or transplant, symptom management, counselling, and comfort care focus on maintaining quality of life.
If you are suffering from kidney failure, consult your doctor who will advise the best kidney failure treatment for you2,15.
Kidney Function Tests
These tests help assess how well your kidneys are working and can detect early signs of kidney failure. Common kidney failure tests include2,13:
Glomerular Filtration Rate: Checks how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. A GFR below 60 mL/min/1.73 m² for three months or more may suggest chronic kidney disease.
Serum Creatinine: High levels of creatinine (a waste product from muscle metabolism) indicate reduced kidney function.
Blood Urea Nitrogen: Measures urea nitrogen in the blood, another waste product filtered by the kidneys. Elevated BUN may indicate kidney failure.
Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio: Detects protein (albumin) leakage in the urine, which can be an early sign of kidney damage.
Electrolyte Tests: Measures sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphate levels, which may be imbalanced if kidney function is impaired.
Cystatin C Test: Measures cystatin C protein levels in the blood, which can help assess kidney filtration, especially when creatinine levels are unclear.
These tests may help to understand your kidney health better and guide treatment decisions.
Prevention
Kidney failure often develops gradually, so taking preventive steps early can help protect your kidney health. Common ways to reduce the risk of kidney failure include4,16:
Keep your blood sugar under control.
Maintain healthy blood pressure.
Monitor your kidney health and have regular kidney check-ups.
Good lifestyle habits, timely medical care, and risk factor control can significantly reduce the chance of kidney failure4,16.
When to See a Doctor?
You should see a doctor if you are facing symptoms of kidney failure such as swelling, headache, nausea, vomiting, etc. Moreover, if you notice any changes in your urination, (if you are making less pee than normal), you should seek prompt medical care3.
Conclusion
Kidney failure is a serious condition, but early detection, healthy lifestyle changes, and timely treatment can slow its progression and improve quality of life. By managing risk factors, following medical advice, and getting regular check-ups, you can protect your kidneys and maintain better overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does exercise help if I have kidney failure?
Yes, exercise and physical activity can aid in improving your condition as it helps to strengthen your bones, muscles, heart and also improves the blood flow. However, it is recommended that you consult your doctor first. They will assess your condition and may suggest restricted/low intensity activity based on the same4,17.
How can I check if my kidney function is stable or becoming worse?
If you have been diagnosed with kidney failure and are undergoing treatment, you should regularly your tests done and discuss your results with your doctor. Stable or improved GFR of 60 or higher and urine ACR less than 30 indicate that your kidney function is stable or getting better18.
How should I change my diet if I have kidney failure?
If you have kidney failure, you should monitor your water/fluid intake, the amount of sodium (part of salt), phosphorus, protein and potassium you consume. By following these simple dietary tips, you can reduce the risk of complications associated with kidney failure4.
Can kidney failure be reversed?
Acute kidney failure may be reversible with timely treatment. If left untreated, acute kidney failure may become chronic which cannot be reversed. However, by following the treatment provided by your doctor, its progression can be slowed3,6.
References
Hill NR, Fatoba ST, Oke JL, Hirst JA, O’Callaghan CA, Lasserson DS, et al. Global Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease – A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Remuzzi G, editor. PLOS ONE [Internet]. 2016 Jul 6;11(7). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4934905/
Vaidya SR, Aeddula NR. Chronic Renal Failure [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30571025/
Levey AS, Eckardt KU, Dorman NM, Christiansen SL, Cheung M, Jadoul M, et al. Nomenclature for kidney function and disease—executive summary and glossary from a Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) consensus conference. European Heart Journal [Internet]. 2020 Nov 3;41(48):4592 Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33141221/
Varma PP. Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in India – Where are we heading? Indian Journal of Nephrology [Internet]. 2015 May;25(3):133. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4446915/
McClellan WM. Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease. Medical Clinics of North America [Internet]. 2005 May;89(3):419–45. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15755460/
Gounden V, Jialal I, Bhatt H. Renal function tests [Internet]. National Library of Medicine. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507821/
Lambert K, Lightfoot CJ, Jegatheesan DK, Gabrys I, Bennett PN. Physical activity and exercise recommendations for people receiving dialysis: A scoping review. Delanaye P, editor. PLOS ONE [Internet]. 2022 Apr 28;17(4):e0267290. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9049336/
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