Index
It is a medical condition in which the level of urea nitrogen in the blood increases.
This level is an indicator of nitrogen waste products, and its rise occurs as a result of the kidneys’ failure to filter wasted nitrogen.
Uremia is a life-threatening condition as excess nitrogen in the blood is harmful to the body. The patient may experience pain.
If treatment is sought promptly, then uremia can be reversed; however, there may be permanent kidney damage or kidney failure.
Treatment includes hospitalization in which the cause of the kidney injury is treated to prevent further accumulation of nitrogen waste in the blood.
Treatment may also consist of dialysis, fluid therapy, blood transfusions, and medications to stabilize blood pressure.
After the initial acute phase of uremia has passed, treatment continues with the administration of medications, dialysis, and changes in diet.
Complications of uremia include:
- Heart attack.
- Renal insufficiency.
- Respiratory insufficiency.
Causes and risk factors of uremia
Any condition that affects the kidneys’ ability to filter waste products can lead to uremia.
Kidney causes of uremia include:
- Certain medications, such as high-dose nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or excessive intravenous contrast material.
- Any injury or trauma to the kidney.
- Certain medical conditions such as hypertension or diabetes can cause kidney damage.
- Other medical conditions of the kidneys, such as kidney stones, kidney failure, and kidney abnormalities.
- Occlusion or embolism of the renal artery that hinders blood flow to the kidney.
- Kidney surgery.
Other causes of uremia include:
Certain medical conditions that cause decreased blood volume or blood flow can also lead to uremia and these are:
- Burns.
- Congestive heart failure
- Dehydration.
- Excessive diarrhea, vomiting, or bleeding.
- Risk factors for uremia.
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Recent injury, infection, or surgery.
- Certain medications, if taken in excess, can increase the risk of developing uremia, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or intravenous contrast material.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of uremia can occur suddenly and are serious, as the nitrogen waste that builds up in the bloodstream poisons the body.
General symptoms of uremia:
- Pain in the abdomen
- Disorientation.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Dry mouth and nose.
- Edema.
- Increased thirst.
- Lethargy.
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Pale skin
- Tachycardia (increased heart rate).
- Soft spot.
Serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention are:
- Disorientation.
- Losing consciousness even for a short time.
- Decreased urine output
- Increased thirst.
Tests to diagnose uremia
- Urine test.
- Blood test.
- Kidney function test.
- Biochemical blood profile.
Treatment for uremia
Treatment of uremia requires hospitalization to properly care for the underlying health condition, focusing on kidney filtration function.
This can be done with IV fluids, blood transfusions, fluid therapy, drug treatment, and hemodialysis.
It is important to remove potentially harmful amounts of nitrogen waste and promote normal blood circulation.
Once the patient is stabilized, medical personnel will take steps to prevent accumulation from reoccurring to protect the kidneys.
The kidneys are evaluated for any damage and possibly treated before a drug and diet treatment plan is started.
Uremia is a serious medical condition for those with conditions that affect the health of the blood and kidneys.
Those at risk may face dangers beyond kidney problems, as it can become a concern for patients with related blood disorders, such as infections, or if they had recent surgery.
While it is reversible if caught early, the condition can have devastating complications and lead to death. Symptoms are generally sudden and severe.
Treatment begins immediately to remove the dangerous poison from the bloodstream; then the protective measures for the kidneys begin.
Know the signs and take precautions to prevent uremic syndrome .