What do kidneys do?

Kidneys do more than one task. The main one is to clean the blood and get rid of waste products in the wee (urine). As well as this the kidneys keep our blood pressure level. They also make sure there is a proper balance of salts in our blood. Without this our heart and brain cannot function. The kidneys are also involved in making chemicals called hormones. These are important for proper growth, strong bones and making new red blood cells.

What is kidney failure?

Kidney failure is when the kidneys cannot do these tasks properly. Luckily, our kidneys have extra reserves. This means you can live even when they are not working properly. You would probably need medications to help your kidneys though. If your kidney function is very poor the symptoms can become very dangerous. This is called end-stage kidney disease.

What causes kidney failure?

Most children with kidney failure were born with a problem with their kidneys. Other things that can cause kidney failure are kidney infections, and certain medicines or poisons. Losing blood in an accident or severe dehydration (when your body does not have enough fluid) can also make your kidneys fail. This is called ‘acute renal failure’. Luckily, most of the time, the kidneys can recover from this.

What are the key warning signs?

There are no clear warning signs for kidney failure. It depends on how the kidneys are affected. You can have either very high or very low blood pressure. Going for a wee a lot more or a lot less can also be a warning sign. There may be blood in your wee and you might get puffy hands and feet.

How is kidney failure diagnosed?

If doctors think you may have kidney failure they will probably test your blood and your wee and check your blood pressure. You may be given a kidney scan (like an x-ray) or a kidney biopsy to see what is causing the kidney failure. A biopsy is where they take a tiny piece of tissue so they can test it and look for damage. You can carry on as normal with just one kidney. But if the other kidney gets damaged or stops working, you will need treatment.

How can kidney failure be treated?

Kidney failure can often be treated with medication. The doctor will need to see you regularly. He or she will probably take some blood to make sure everything is stable. You may need to take some special vitamins or salt supplements (tablets) or an injection. This will help you make new red blood cells. You may also need to be careful with what you’re eating.

What about more serious kidney failure?

End-stage kidney failure can be treated by dialysis. This cleans and filters your blood. It gets rid of harmful waste products and extra fluid. You can have dialysis in hospital three times a week for about three to four hours. Some dialysis you can do at home. Kidney failure can also be treated with a transplant. This means that you would have an operation to give you a new kidney. For this the hospital would have to find a kidney to match yours. This is to lower the chances of your body rejecting the kidney. You would also have to take medication every day to protect against rejection.

What about my future health?

You can have dialysis for many years. In between dialysis sessions, you can enjoy a normal life. You can go to school and have hobbies and play with friends. If you have a transplant, you can live life as normal as long as you take your medication every day. The new kidney can last for many, many years.

For more help and information

If you would like to know more about kidney failure, please ask your doctor.

Last reviewed by Great Ormond Street Hospital: 3 October 2006

All content within Children First for Health is provided for general information only to help answer the most common questions. It does not replace the need to consult with a health professional or GP. Children First for Health is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this site.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Check it out

Real stories: Find out about Kelly’s kidney failure.

Support: UK National Kidney Federation