What Is Renal Insuffiency?

When the kidneys don't function normally, it may be referred to as renal insufficiency. According to the Medical College of Wisconsin, renal insufficiency is sometimes referred to as renal failure. Normally the kidneys remove waste from the body and help control blood pressure and bodily fluids. When kidney functions decrease, various symptoms can develop, some of which can be life threatening.

Facts

• Renal insufficiency occurs in varying degrees and can be acute or chronic. Acute insufficiency or kidney failure occurs suddenly. According to the Medical College of Wisconsin, it is usually caused by an injury, such as trauma to the kidneys, drug use or an infection. Damage may be reversible. Chronic renal insufficiency occurs gradually and currently is considered irreversible. Chronic insufficiency occurs in different stages depending on the severity of symptoms, it may be classified as early or late renal insufficiency.

Risk Factors

• Risk factors for developing chronic renal insufficiency, according to the University of California Davis Health System, include having a family history of kidney disease. Older adults are also at a higher risk. Being a diabetic and having high blood pressure also increase the risk. Controllable risk factors for renal insufficiency include smoking and obesity.

Symptoms

• Symptoms depend on the stage of renal insufficiency. According to the Medical College of Wisconsin, some patients may have few if any symptoms in the early stages of renal insufficiency. Other patients may develop high blood pressure even in the early stages of the disease. Patients with later staged renal insufficiency may develop fatigue, swelling in the feet and hands and back pain. Appetite changes may take place and digestion may slow down.

Treatments

• Treatment depends on whether a person has acute or chronic renal insufficiency. Acute insufficiency treatment may include emergency kidney dialysis. If the condition is chronic, it also depends on whether the condition is considered early or late stage insufficiency. Treatment for early chronic insufficiency may include diet changes, such as reduction in potassium and sodium. Blood pressure medication is also often needed. Late stage renal insufficiency may require dialysis and a kidney transplant.

Considerations

• Special considerations are given to women who have renal insufficiency and become pregnant. According to the Merck Online Medical Library, renal problems don't necessarily become worse during pregnancy. However, fetal growth can be restricted. Close monitoring is necessary. According to Merck, women with late stage renal insufficiency may require bed rest after twenty-eight weeks of pregnancy to control blood pressure.