Dying From Kidney Failure: A Timeline of Events

Introduction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that leads to the gradual loss of kidney function. In the final stages of CKD, when the kidneys can no longer function adequately, patients may experience a range of symptoms and ultimately die from kidney failure.

Timeline of Events

Stage 5 CKD

• Symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, swelling in the legs and feet, high blood pressure, anemia
• Treatment: Dialysis or kidney transplant

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

• Symptoms: Severe fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, seizures, coma
• Treatment: Dialysis or kidney transplant

Dialysis

Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that filters waste products and excess fluid from the blood. There are two main types of dialysis:

• Hemodialysis: Blood is removed from the body and passed through a dialyzer, which removes waste and fluid.
• Peritoneal dialysis: A solution is introduced into the abdomen through a catheter, and waste and fluid are removed through the lining of the abdomen.

Kidney Transplant

A kidney transplant involves replacing a diseased kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor. Kidney transplants can be successful, but they are not always an option due to factors such as lack of a suitable donor or complications from the surgery.

Death

Death from kidney failure can occur when the kidneys can no longer function adequately to sustain life. The timeline for death from kidney failure varies depending on factors such as the severity of the disease, the patient's overall health, and the type of treatment received.

Risk Factors

The risk factors for developing CKD include:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Family history of kidney disease

Prevention

There are several things you can do to prevent or delay the progression of CKD, including:

• Controlling blood sugar levels
• Managing blood pressure
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking
• Getting regular exercise
• Eating a healthy diet

Prevalence and Impact

According to the National Kidney Foundation, over 37 million adults in the United States have CKD. Of these, over 660,000 are in the final stages of the disease and require dialysis or a kidney transplant. CKD is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States.

Conclusion

Kidney failure is a serious condition that can lead to death. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, many people with CKD can live full and productive lives. If you have any of the risk factors for CKD, it is important to talk to your doctor about screening and prevention strategies.