The Kidney and Its Main Blood Vessels

© 2009 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

As kidney failure progresses, some or all of the following signs and symptoms may develop:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Itchy skin
  • Confusion
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Swelling throughout the body
  • Low urine output
  • Generalized weakness
  • Multiple bruises
  • Frequent infections
  • Numbness and tingling in the extremities
  • Irritability
  • Decreased libido
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle cramps and twitches
  • Shortness of breath
  • ]]>Pericarditis]]>
  • ]]>High blood pressure]]>
  • Weak, brittle bones
  • Yellowish-brownish skin tone
  • Easy bruising of the skin
  • Headache
  • Frequent hiccups

If kidney failure is untreated, the accumulated waste products and fluid can result in:

  • Coma
  • Seizures
  • Death