Severe Dehydration And Kidney Failure

Severe dehydration can be one symptom of kidney failure. In turn, it can be the cause of acute kidney failure. Anyway, it is very important to have proper prevention and timely treatment for dehydration both for kidney failure patients and healthy people.

Dehydration is caused by kidney failure

When there is dramatic reduction of fluid in the body, dehydration will occur. Kidney failure patients often suffer from severe vomiting and diarrhea which can cause loss of large amount of body fluid and lead to dehydration. Dehydration will in turn worsen renal failure and cause further elevation of high creatinine. Extreme dehydration can even cause sharp drop of kidney functions within short time.

If kidney failure is caused by diabetes, patients are at higher risk of developing dehydration. Though diabetes can cause frequent urination, patients should not limit water intake or it can cause serious illness conditions.

Kidney failure is caused by severe dehydration

Severe dehydration can cause acute renal failure. Kidneys have the function to filter the blood and dehydration can cause sudden disturbance of blood flow to the kidneys. Blood circulation will be hindered and there will be accumulation of wastes and toxins in the patient’s body. Kidney functions will be affected due to inadequate blood supply to renal cells and renal tissues.

Symptoms of dehydration

In case of dehydration, patients can have the following symptoms: dry mouth, thirst, dizziness, rapid heart beat, shortness of breath, confusion, swelling in legs, feet and ankles, reduced urine output, nausea, vomiting, etc.

How to prevent and treat dehydration

Early prevention and timely treatment of dehydration can help lower high creatinine and protect kidney functions. If the patient has no fluid retention in the body, there is no need to limit water intake. Adequate fluid intake should be maintained to help increase urine output and cleanse the kidneys.

In case of severe dehydration, intravenous fluids can help ease dehydration, increase blood circulation and blood flow to the kidneys. Urine output will be increased and kidney functions will be improved as a result. For those that suffer from acute renal failure due to dehydration, early rectification of dehydration can reverse renal damages and recover kidney functions.