Uremia: A serious medical condition

Uremic - excessive waste products

Uremia is also known as Uremic Syndrome. It is a disorder of kidney function that occurs when the kidneys cannot properly remove urea from the body, so waste from urine accumulates in the blood.

Symptoms may include weakness, sore mouth, headache, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, energy, and mental confusion.

Urea Elimination

Uremia can also develop because urea is not eliminated from the body quickly enough.

Causes can be from a blockage preventing urine from exiting the body, decreased blood flow in the kidneys, cardiac failure or hypotension.

Symptoms of Urea

Head

Headaches, fatigue and fuzzy thinking can be symptoms of uremia.

Lungs

Experiencing shortness of breath can be caused by fluids in the lungs or a symptom of anemia.

Mouth

Food may taste bad or like metal which can cause loss of appetite.

Bladder

For some people, their bodies still produce urine. However, it is mostly fluid and wastes that are not leaving the body.

Itchy Skin

Build up of uremic wastes can cause severe itching.

Hands and Feet

Swelling can be caused by fluid build-up in the body

Stomach

Loss of appetite, nausea and, if uremia is very severe, vomiting can occur.

Blood Vessels

Failing kidneys can no longer maintain blood pressure at normal levels, which can cause high blood pressure.

Who's at risk?

Not all patients with these conditions will deal with uremia, however you may be at risk for uremic syndrome if you have:

Kidney trauma or injury of any kind
Autoimmune disease
Hypertension
Hypotension
Diabetes
Kidney stones
Irregularities of kidney
Renal artery embolism
Recent surgery

Congestive heart failure
Urine flow blockage
Dehydration
Skin burns
Shock
Infection
Excessive bleeding
Severe diarrhea or vomiting
Excessive use of non-steroidal anti- inflammatory medication