The kidneys play a vital role in the overall health of the human body. The kidneys filter waste products from the blood, eliminate excess fluids from the body, balance essential minerals, and control blood pressure levels. When the kidneys fail to perform their functions, waste products accumulate in the blood, leading to health problems.
In severe cases of damaged kidneys or ESKD, a transplant is the best solution to the problem. This is where the damaged kidneys are replaced with healthy ones from a donor.
The need to understand the signs you may need a kidney transplant is essential because the earlier the condition is treated, the better the outcome will be. This article will discuss the symptoms, causes, and signs that may lead to a kidney transplant.
Kidney failure is a medical condition whereby the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products from the blood. This condition develops gradually over time due to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
There are two major stages of kidney failure:
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) – gradual loss of kidney function over time
End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) – the final stage where the kidneys cannot support the body’s needs
At the end stage, the patient usually needs dialysis or a kidney transplant to live.
Reasons Why a Kidney Transplant May Be Needed
Dialysis helps remove wastes from the blood, but the results are not the same as the natural functions of the kidneys. Most people who have had a kidney transplant report better health and an enhanced quality of life.
A kidney transplant is usually recommended if:
Kidney function is less than 15%
Dialysis is no longer working
The patient is healthy enough for the surgery
A compatible donor is available
A kidney transplant helps the patient live longer, feel better, and have the independence of dialysis removed.
Signs That Show You May Need a Kidney Transplant
Kidney disease usually occurs without any symptoms, especially in the early stages. However, as the disease advances, the patient starts showing signs. Below are the main signs that show you may need a kidney transplant.
1. Severe and Persistent Fatigue
One of the first symptoms of kidney failure is fatigue. This is caused by the inability of the kidneys to filter out the wastes in the blood.
The wastes in the blood can cause the following:
Extreme tiredness
Weakness
Lack of concentration
In addition to this, the individual suffering from kidney disease may also develop anemia, which can cause fatigue and weakness.
2. Swelling in Legs, Feet, or Face
The kidneys filter out the wastes in the blood. In the absence of proper kidney function, the body may accumulate more fluid than it should.
The following areas may swell:
Ankles
Feet
Hands
Face
Abdomen
When the swelling persists, it is known as edema. This is a symptom that the kidneys are not functioning properly.
3. Changes in Urination Patterns
Changes in urination patterns are often the most noticeable symptoms of kidney disease.
The changes in urination patterns may include:
Urinating more or less often
Presence of foam in the urine
Presence of dark or bloody urine
Difficulty in urinating
Urinating frequently at night
These changes in urination patterns are an indication that the kidneys are not functioning properly.
4. Shortness of Breath
Kidney failure results in shortness of breath in two ways:
Fluid buildup in the lungs
Lack of oxygen due to anemia
Shortness of breath may also affect the patient, especially during light physical activities, which could interfere with the patient’s life and overall well-being.
5. Persistent Nausea and Vomiting
As toxins accumulate in the bloodstream, the patient may also develop digestive problems.
The symptoms of this problem include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Unpleasant taste in the mouth
These symptoms may become worse as the patient’s kidney problems become worse
6. High Blood Pressure That Is Difficult to Control
High blood pressure is a cause and a symptom of kidney disease. Kidney disease makes it difficult to control blood pressure.
If a patient has high blood pressure that is difficult to control, the physician may want to check the patient’s kidneys to determine the cause of the problem.
7. Persistent Itching and Skin Problems
Kidney failure results in the accumulation of waste products in the bloodstream, leading to severe itching and other skin problems.
The symptoms the patient may develop include:
Dry skin
Itching
Skin discoloration
Rashes on the skin
These symptoms develop because the body cannot remove the toxins from the blood properly.
8. Difficulty Concentrating and Mental Confusion
Toxin buildup in the blood may affect the brain in some cases of kidney disease.
Some patients may develop:
Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Mental confusion
Lessened alertness
These problems may develop further if the kidney disease progresses.
9. Loss of Appetite and Unexplained Weight Loss
Patients with kidney disease develop loss of appetite because of the buildup of toxins in the body.
Loss of appetite may lead to:
Loss of weight
Weakness
Nutritional problems
Loss of appetite is one of the common symptoms of kidney disease, which affects the overall health of the patient.
10. Dialysis Is No Longer Effective
In many cases of kidney disease, patients start with dialysis because their kidney function has declined significantly.
However, in some cases of kidney disease, dialysis may not be enough for the
overall health of the patient. In such cases, the doctor may recommend:
Dialysis is no longer effective
Severe complications
Loss of quality of life
A kidney transplant may be the solution for the patient in such cases.
Causes of Kidney Failure
There are several medical conditions that can cause kidney failure, which may eventually require a kidney transplant.
The main causes of kidney failure include:
Diabetes – the leading cause of kidney disease
High blood pressure
Chronic kidney infections
Polycystic kidney disease
Autoimmune diseases, including lupus
Long-term use of certain medication
Managing the above conditions early enough can help slow the progression of kidney damage.
When to See a Doctor
If an individual experiences the above kidney failure symptoms, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Early intervention enables doctors to:
Identify kidney disease early
Slow the progression of the disease
Provide appropriate medical attention
Determine if the patient needs a kidney transplant
Regular medical checkups, including kidney function tests, can also help detect the problem early enough.
Benefits of Kidney Transplant
A kidney transplant provides several benefits over dialysis.
Some of the benefits of kidney transplantation include:
Improved quality of life
Increased freedom
Increased independence
Increased energy levels
Better survival rates
Less dietary restrictions
Most people can return to their daily activities after the kidney transplant.
Life After a Kidney Transplant
After the kidney transplant, the patient must adopt healthy habits to maintain the new kidney.
Some of the healthy habits that the patient must adopt after the kidney transplant include:
Taking prescribed medications regularly
Regular medical checkups
Eating a balanced diet
Avoiding infections
Maintaining a healthy weight
With proper care, a new kidney will be able to perform its functions well for many years.
Conclusion
Knowing the signs of needing a kidney transplant will ensure that those who need it seek medical attention early, and this will prevent kidney diseases from becoming life-threatening.
It is essential to note that although kidney failure is treated with dialysis, a kidney transplant is the best option for those who want to live a long and healthy life.
It is, therefore, essential for those experiencing symptoms of kidney failure and those who want to live a healthy life to seek medical attention from a qualified medical expert.
Early detection, proper treatment, and timely transplantation of a kidney will improve the quality of life for those with kidney failures.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is for general purposes only and should not be considered medical advice through Consult Grab.
Final Thoughts
The recognition of the symptoms that signify the need for a kidney transplant is vital in ensuring the health and medical attention of an individual. Kidney disease is a slow-progressing disease, and many individuals do not show symptoms until the disease is at an advanced stage. The recognition of the symptoms of kidney disease, including fatigue, swelling, urination, nausea, and breathing difficulties, is vital in the early recognition of the disease.
Kidney transplant is the most efficient way of treating individuals with end-stage kidney disease, and the treatment is often preferred over dialysis treatment for the disease. The treatment is vital in improving the quality of life, energy levels, and the ability of the patient to live independently.
If an individual is showing symptoms of advanced kidney disease, it is vital to consult a qualified health expert for the best treatment and advice. The treatment and advice of a health expert make a significant difference in the management of the disease and the possibility of a kidney transplant.
