Uremia is when the amount of a compound called urea in the blood is too high. Urea is a waste product that is normally filtered from the blood by the kidneys and removed from the body through urine. Uremia develops when the kidneys have lost most of their ability to filter the blood and function normally (renal failure). Renal failure causes urea and other waste products to build up in the blood.
Renal failure can happen suddenly (acute renal failure) or over a long period of time (chronic renal failure). Both kinds of renal failure can cause uremia, but chronic renal failure is most often the cause.
What are the causes?
The most common causes of renal failure and uremia are diabetes and high blood pressure. Other causes of uremia …show more content…
Muscle aches.
Itchy skin.
Headache.
Restless legs.
Changes in vision.
Depression.
Trouble sleeping.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition may be diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical exam. You will also have tests to confirm the diagnosis of uremia and to show how well your kidneys are filtering your blood. These tests may include:
Blood and urine tests.
Imaging tests, such as ultrasound of the kidneys.
Removal of a small piece of kidney tissue to be examined under a microscope (kidney biopsy). This may be done to determine whether you have acute or chronic renal failure.
How is this treated?
Treatment usually involves having your blood filtered by a machine (dialysis) or having a kidney transplant. Treatment may also include:
Taking a type of medicine called an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) to prevent the loss of red blood cells (anemia) that is often caused by uremia.
Taking medicine to correct your levels of phosphorus and calcium. Uremia can cause these to build up in your blood.
Having certain glands in your neck (parathyroid glands) removed. In people who have kidney disease, the hormones made from these glands can cause high levels of calcium in the blood and itchy …show more content…
One drink equals 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1½ oz of hard liquor.
Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
General instructions
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
Work with a health care provider who specializes in diet and nutrition after renal failure (renal dietitian). Your renal dietitian may recommend that you eat a diet low in fat, salt, and potassium. Diet and nutrition is a very important part of managing renal failure and uremia.
Exercise regularly, as directed by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what types of exercise are best for you.
Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
You have a fever or chills.
You are struggling to control your