Kidney failure

Kidney failure may not produce any symptoms initially and person remains unaware that he is suffering from a kidney problem. But gradually kidney function decreases and symptoms start appearing.

Causes

Diabetes - In diabetes, excess of sugar in the blood damages the nephrons, which is called as diabetic nephropathy.
High blood pressure - High blood pressure damages the small blood vessels present in the kidneys which results in the failure to filter the waste from blood.
Hereditary factors – Family history is also responsible for kidney diseases.

Symptoms

• Nausea
• Weakness
• Pain in the back
• Shortness of breath
• Urine may contain blood
• Decreased amount of urine
• Urine may be foamy or bubbly
• Increased frequency of urination
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Have to get up more often at night to pass urine
• Puffiness around the eyes, particularly in the morning
• Swelling of the face and feet and sometimes of the whole body

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are solid mineral-like substances within the kidney which are formed when urine becomes concentrated. Certain substances like calcium, oxalate, uric acid or cystine in the urine leaves small crystals along the inner surface of the kidneys that leads to stones.
Kidney stones may remain silent or can cause excruciating pain depending upon size, shape and location of the stones.

Causes

• Dietary factors
• Infection of urinary tract
• Family history of kidney stones
• Any pathology leading to the obstruction of the urinary tract

Symptoms

• Fever
• Difficulty in urinating
• Blood may appear in the urine
• Pain accompanied with nausea and vomiting
• Severe pain in the lower back, groin or abdomen