Kidney Failure

Kidney failure (renal failure) means one or both of your kidneys no longer function well on their own. Kidney failure is sometimes temporary and develops quickly (acute). Other times it’s a chronic (long-term) condition that slowly gets worse.

Kidney failure is the most severe stage of kidney disease. It’s fatal without treatment. If you have kidney failure, you may survive a few days or weeks without treatment.

What do the kidneys do?

Your kidneys are bean-shaped organs about the size of your fist. They sit under your ribcage, toward your back. Most people have two working kidneys, but you can live well with only one kidney as long as it’s working correctly.

Kidneys have several jobs. One of the most important jobs is helping your body eliminate toxins. Your kidneys filter your blood and send waste products out of your body in urine (pee).

When your kidneys don’t work correctly, waste products build up in your body. If this happens, you’ll feel sick and eventually die without treatment. Many people can manage kidney failure with the proper treatment.

Who does kidney failure affect?

Kidney failure can affect anyone. However, you may be at a higher risk of developing kidney failure if you:

• Have diabetes.
• Have high blood pressure (hypertension).
• Have heart disease.
• Have a family history of kidney disease.
• Have abnormal kidney structure.
• Are over 60.
• Have a long history of taking pain relievers, including over-the-counter products such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

When is treatment needed?

Your doctor will help you decide when you need to start treatment. The decision is based on:

• Your symptoms
• Other health problems you have
• How much kidney function you have left
• Your nutritional health

When it comes time to choose a treatment for kidney failure, the decision may often be stressful.

How do I know which treatment is right for me?

There are two treatment options for kidney failure: dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) and kidney transplantation.