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Kidney Failure
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Kidneys Urinary System

Kidney Failure

Kidney failure occurs when damaged kidneys can no longer effectively filter waste, balance fluids, or maintain essential hormone production.

Overview

Healthy kidneys clean your blood by removing excess fluid, minerals, and wastes. They also make hormones that keep your bones strong and your blood healthy. But if the kidneys are damaged, they don't work properly. Harmful wastes can build up in your body. Your blood pressure may rise. Your body may retain excess fluid and not make enough red blood cells. This is called kidney failure.

Treatment and Management

If your kidneys fail, you need treatment to replace the work they normally do. The treatment options are dialysis or a kidney transplant. Each treatment has benefits and drawbacks. No matter which treatment you choose, you'll need to make some changes in your life, including how you eat and plan your activities. But with the help of health care providers, family, and friends, most people with kidney failure can lead full and active lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hemodialysis uses a machine to filter blood through an external filter, typically requiring three sessions per week at a clinic or at home. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) to filter blood, usually performed daily at home. The choice depends on your lifestyle, physical ability, and preference. Hemodialysis may be better for those who prefer not to perform the procedure themselves, while peritoneal dialysis offers more flexibility and often preserves residual kidney function longer, but requires strict hygiene to prevent infection.
kidney failure diet focuses on limiting substances that the kidneys can no longer filter effectively. You must strictly monitor potassium, phosphorus, and sodium intake. High-potassium foods like bananas, oranges, potatoes, and tomatoes should be limited or avoided to prevent dangerous heart rhythms. High-phosphorus foods such as dairy products, nuts, and colas can cause bone and skin problems. Sodium restriction is critical to control blood pressure and fluid retention. A registered dietitian specializing in renal nutrition can create a personalized meal plan.
Yes, many people with kidney failure maintain full-time employment and regular exercise routines. For hemodialysis, you can schedule treatments during work hours or in the evening. For peritoneal dialysis, the process is often done overnight, allowing for a normal daytime schedule. Exercise is highly recommended to combat fatigue and maintain muscle strength, but you should consult your care team for safe activity levels. Fatigue is a common symptom, so pacing yourself and listening to your body is essential.
Signs of inadequate dialysis include persistent swelling in the legs, ankles, or face, shortness of breath, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and ongoing fatigue or nausea. You should also watch for signs of fluid overload, such as rapid weight gain between treatments. If you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, confusion, or muscle cramps that do not resolve, seek medical attention immediately. Regular blood tests will also monitor your levels of waste products to ensure your dialysis prescription is adequate.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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