End-Stage Renal Disease
End-Stage Renal Disease (pronounced: end-stayj ree-nuhl dih-zeez), also known as ESRD, is the final stage of chronic kidney disease. This condition occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to function at a level that's necessary for day-to-day life.
Etymology
The term "End-Stage Renal Disease" is derived from the medical terminology. "End-Stage" refers to the final phase of a particular condition, "Renal" pertains to the kidneys, and "Disease" signifies a particular disorder or illness.
Definition
End-Stage Renal Disease is a medical condition in which the kidneys have stopped working completely. The kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the blood, which are then excreted in urine. In ESRD, this function ceases, leading to a buildup of toxins in the body.
Symptoms
Symptoms of End-Stage Renal Disease include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, persistent itching, and others. These symptoms are often severe and can significantly impact a person's quality of life.
Treatment
Treatment for End-Stage Renal Disease typically involves dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis is a procedure that artificially filters the blood, while a Kidney transplant involves replacing the diseased kidney with a healthy one from a donor.
Related Terms
See Also
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