Chronic renal failure
Chronic Renal Failure
Chronic renal failure (pronunciation: /ˈkrɒnɪk rɪˈneɪl ˈfeɪljər/), also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD), is a condition characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function over time. The term "chronic" refers to the slow progression and long-term nature of the disease, while "renal" pertains to the kidneys, and "failure" denotes the inability of the kidneys to function properly.
Etymology
The term "renal" is derived from the Latin word "renes", meaning kidneys. "Chronic" comes from the Greek word "chronos", meaning time, indicating a long-term condition. "Failure" is from the Old French "faillir", meaning to be lacking or to not succeed.
Symptoms
Symptoms of chronic renal failure may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sleep problems, changes in urine output, and muscle twitches and cramps. These symptoms often develop slowly and may not appear until kidney function is significantly impaired.
Causes
Chronic renal failure can be caused by a variety of conditions that damage the kidneys and decrease their ability to function. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, recurrent kidney infections, and certain inherited conditions such as polycystic kidney disease.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of chronic renal failure typically involves blood tests to measure levels of waste products, such as creatinine and urea, as well as imaging tests like ultrasound to visualize the kidneys. A kidney biopsy may also be performed to determine the cause of the kidney damage.
Treatment
Treatment for chronic renal failure focuses on slowing the progression of the kidney damage, usually by controlling the underlying cause. This may involve medications to lower blood pressure, control blood glucose levels in diabetes, or treat anemia. In advanced stages, treatment may include dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chronic renal failure
- Wikipedia's article - Chronic renal failure
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