However, when the kidneys are no longer workingreferred to askidney failureurea can accumulate to toxic levels.
Uremia is most often due to kidney failure from advancedchronic kidney disease (CKD).
Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, weight loss, lower-stomach pain, and fatigue.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
Common signs and symptoms of uremia include:
There is no consistent point at which azotemia becomes symptomatic uremia.
CrCl levels this low are clear indications of kidney failure.
Uremic symptoms can occur at higher CrCl levels.
Signs and symptoms of untreated uremia include:
Can Uremia Kill You?
This can lead tocoagulopathyin which impaired blood clotting causes easy bleeding, including gastrointestinal bleeding.
This reduces the hearts ability to pump blood to the rest of the body, resulting incongestive heart failure.
Other Complications
Hyperkalemia(high potassium levels) is a major concern with end-stage kidney disease.
When potassium levels are excessively high, life-threatening arrhythmias, muscle weakness, or paralysis can occur.
In such cases, normal kidney function may be restored.
The same is not true with uremia due to CKD.
For some, dialysis may be the only option if they are not candidates for a transplant.
Medications
No medications can directly treat uremia.
With that said, certain medications may be prescribed to manage the symptoms or complications associated with uremia.
No significant differences were observed for the other symptoms.
Keeping as healthy as possible is arguably the best way to cope with the rigors of dialysis.
You will also need to take drugs known asimmunosuppressantsfor the rest of your life to avoidorgan rejection.
How Long Can You Live After a Kidney Transplant?
The prognosis following a kidney transplant is generally good.
The 10- and 15-year survival rates were equally optimistic at 88% and 70%.
Is Uremia Preventable?
If you have chronic kidney disease, the best way to prevent uremia is to avoid disease progression.
Limiting your alcohol intake can also help.
How to Find Support
Education and support can help you manage CKD over the long term.
The helpline is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, itchiness, and fatigue.
Treatments include dialysis and kidney transplants.
Without treatment, uremia is fatal.
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