When the kidneys fail, the body experiences a series of complications due to the buildup of waste products and excess fluids that the kidneys are no longer able to filter out. Here's a detailed breakdown of what happens: 1. Waste Accumulation: Kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood, such as urea and creatinine. When they fail, these waste products accumulate in the body, leading to a condition called uremia. 2. Fluid Retention: The kidneys regulate the amount of fluid in the body. Kidney failure can cause fluid to build up, leading to swelling in the legs, feet, ankles, hands, and face. 3. Electrolyte Imbalance: Kidneys help maintain the balance of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium. Failure to do so can result in abnormal heart rhythms, muscle weakness, and other issues. 4. Anemia: Kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells. When the kidneys fail, anemia can develop due to a decrease in red blood cell production. 5. Bone Disease: Kidneys also produce a hormone called calcitriol, which helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels. Imbalance in these levels can lead to bone disease and fractures. 6. Neurological Symptoms: The buildup of toxins can affect the nervous system, causing symptoms like fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and seizures. 7. Cardiovascular Disease: Kidney failure is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke due to the accumulation of fluid and waste, as well as the imbalance of electrolytes. 8. Metabolism Issues: The body's ability to process nutrients is affected, leading to weight loss, muscle wasting, and other metabolic problems. 9. Immune System Compromise: The immune system can be weakened, making the body more susceptible to infections. 10. Death: If left untreated, kidney failure can lead to seizures, coma, and ultimately death due to the complications mentioned above. Treatment typically involves managing the symptoms and complications, and in severe cases, dialysis or kidney transplantation may be necessary to replace the lost kidney function. read more >>

Your hands or feet may swell. You will feel tired and weak because your body needs clean blood to function properly. Untreated uremia may lead to seizures or coma and will ultimately result in death. If your kidneys stop working completely, you will need to undergo dialysis or kidney transplantation.read more >>