Pathophysiology of Renal Disease

Pathophysiology is defined as functional changes that occur during the course of a disease. Renal disease causes several functional changes to occur in the kidneys. These changes cause serious consequences if renal disease is not treated properly.

Functional Changes

• Renal disease makes it difficult for the kidneys to filter wastes from the blood and maintain normal levels of fluids and electrolytes in the body.

Significance

• When the kidneys do not work properly, dangerous waste products accumulate in the blood. As these waste products build up, you may experience nausea, vomiting, itching, weakness, fatigue and difficulty sleeping.

Time Frame

• Renal disease is a progressive condition that causes kidney damage over a long period of time. This condition is classified according to a system of five disease stages. Stage one indicates very mild kidney damage, while stage five indicates that the kidneys are failing.

Identification

• Functional kidney changes are identified through blood and urine tests or imaging studies. Blood tests are used to determine if waste products like creatinine and blood urea nitrogen are at dangerous levels. Urine testing is used to determine if protein and microalbumin are leaking into the urine, which indicates kidney damage. Ultrasounds, CT scans and MRI scans are used to identify changes in the flow of blood through the kidneys.

Effects

• Excess fluid causes edema (swelling) of the feet, ankles, hands and face. The Huntsman Cancer Institute reports that severe edema causes difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain and rapid weight gain. Abnormal electrolyte levels can lead to weakness, fatigue, muscle aches, seizures, confusion and coma. High potassium levels can also cause abnormal heart rhythms and death if not treated quickly.