Chronic Renal Failure Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Chronic Renal Failure?
Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) is a long-term, progressive decline in kidney function. It is most often caused by long-term damage to the kidneys, such as from diabetes or high blood pressure. It can also be caused by infections or certain medications. As the kidneys become less effective at filtering waste products and toxins, they build up in the body causing a variety of symptoms and risk factors.The primary symptom of CRF is fatigue due to anemia, which occurs when your red blood cell count falls below a normal level. Other signs and symptoms can include: loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, weight loss, swelling (edema), difficulty concentrating, headaches and muscle cramps. Symptoms may vary based on how much kidney function remains. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for slowing the progression of CRF and reducing potential complications such as cardiovascular disease or even death. This includes controlling any underlying conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure that may have contributed to CRF development in the first place. Also important is managing fluid intake to reduce strain on damaged kidneys; medication that helps control electrolyte balance; diet modifications; vitamin D supplementation if necessary; avoiding certain drugs known to impair kidney function; regular physical activity; stress management techniques; and/or dialysis treatments if needed for severe cases of CRF (i.e., end-stage renal disease). It’s essential for those with chronic renal failure to monitor their health closely with regular doctor visits so that any changes can be identified early on before they become more serious issues.