Kidney Failure

When kidney disease progresses to kidney failure, you deserve compassionate care provided by kidney care specialist Deon Middlebrook, MD, and his urgent care team in Detroit, Michigan. They provide expert care throughout all the stages of kidney disease, including end-stage renal disease (kidney failure), dialysis, and a kidney transplant. To get exceptional treatment and customized care for kidney failure, diabetes, hypertension, and other urgent care needs, call Detroit Sherwood Urgent Care or request an appointment online today.

What is kidney failure?

Kidney failure means that the kidneys are too damaged to function. Healthy kidneys filter about one-half cup of blood every minute, removing toxic wastes, excess fluids, and extra electrolytes.

People may experience sudden (acute) kidney failure after an injury or when another problem stops blood flow to the kidneys or blocks urine drainage. People can also develop kidney failure after years of chronic kidney disease.

There are numerous possible causes or reasons for kidney disease. Some of the most common include:

• Diabetes (leading cause)
• High blood pressure (hypertension — second-most common cause)
• Renal artery stenosis (blocked arteries)
• Glomerulonephritis
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Autoimmune disorders
• Infections (like UTI)
• Toxins (heavy metals or drugs)

Chronic kidney disease is progressive, causing ongoing damage to the tissues inside the kidneys, and their ability to function slowly diminishes.

When does kidney failure start?

You pass through five stages of kidney disease, defined by decreasing function and increasing kidney damage. In the first three stages, prompt and diligent treatment can stop kidney disease from advancing.

You have severe kidney damage at stage four, and by the time you reach stage five, the kidneys are working at less than 15% of their total capacity. At this stage, you’re at the end-stage renal disease (ESRD), also referred to as kidney failure.

What signs and symptoms does kidney failure cause?

Leg swelling is one of the most common symptoms at every stage of kidney disease. Kidney failure signs and symptoms can include any combination of:

• Foamy urine (layers of bubbles that don’t disappear)
• Urinating more frequently (early stages)
• Urinating less often
• Swelling in ankles, feet, or legs
• Dry and itchy skin
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Cramps
• Muscle aches
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty sleeping

Healthy kidneys seldom eliminate proteins. Proteinuria (protein in urine) is a sign of kidney disease.

How do you treat kidney failure?

There are only two treatments for kidney failure: dialysis and a kidney transplant. The Detroit Sherwood Urgent Care team manages patients’ pre- and post-dialysis care, including creating and managing dialysis access.

Call the urgent care office or request an appointment online if you need compassionate care for any stage of kidney disease. Walk-ins are also welcome so that you can get the care you need when it’s needed most.