Kidney Failure

Overview

Kidney failure—also called end-stage kidney disease or advanced renal impairment—occurs when the kidneys can no longer filter waste, balance salts or control fluid levels. Without timely treatment, toxins build up, blood pressure soars and life-threatening complications follow.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, Aylesbury you receive rapid diagnostic testing, consultant-led medical stabilisation and seamless referral to regional dialysis or transplant centres when required—without NHS waiting lists.

Why Early Action Matters — Future Health Risks

• Fluid Overload & Heart Failure: excess salt and water strain the heart and lungs, causing breathlessness and swelling.
• Dangerous Electrolyte Changes: high potassium can trigger fatal heart rhythms within hours.
• Severe Anaemia & Fatigue: falling erythropoietin levels reduce red-blood-cell production.
• Bone Weakening & Fractures: imbalanced calcium and vitamin D accelerate osteoporosis.
• Uraemic Toxin Build-Up: causes nausea, itching, confusion and, in extreme cases, coma.
• Cardiovascular Death: people with kidney failure are many times more likely to die from heart attack or stroke.

Symptoms You Might Notice

• Swollen ankles, puffy eyes or sudden weight gain
• Passing very little or no urine, or dark frothy urine
• Breathlessness when lying flat or walking short distances
• Persistent tiredness, weakness or difficulty concentrating
• Metallic taste, nausea, loss of appetite or hiccups
• Intense itching or restless legs, especially at night
• Muscle cramps, tingling or palpitations from high potassium

Common Causes And Risk Factors

• Long-standing diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
• High blood pressure that is poorly controlled
• Repeated urinary-tract obstruction or kidney stones
• Glomerulonephritis and other inflammatory kidney diseases
• Polycystic kidney disease or other inherited disorders
• Long-term NSAID or PPI use and certain chemotherapy drugs
• Severe dehydration, sepsis or major surgery leading to sudden (acute) kidney injury
• Older age, smoking, obesity and heart disease

When To Seek Medical Advice

Contact a doctor urgently if you have:

• Rapid ankle swelling, breathlessness or frothy urine
• Very little urine output for more than 12 hours
• Sudden, severe nausea or vomiting with fatigue and itching
• Palpitations or chest pain in the context of known kidney issues
• Unexplained confusion or drowsiness

How We Diagnose And Monitor Kidney Failure

1. Comprehensive Medical Review – detailed history, medication check and physical examination by experienced physicians.
2. Rapid Laboratory Testing – serum creatinine, estimated GFR, full electrolytes, acid–base profile and blood count via our Blood-Testing Service, with results typically returned within 24 hours.
3. Urine Studies – albumin-to-creatinine ratio and microscopy to gauge protein loss or infection.
4. High-Resolution Imaging – renal ultrasound or CT in our on-site CT Suite to assess size, obstruction or cysts.
5. Cardiovascular Screening – ECG, chest X-ray and lipid profile to quantify heart risk.
6. Regular Follow-Up – scheduled blood work and blood-pressure reviews tailor therapy and time referral for dialysis or transplant evaluation.

Treatment And Continuing Support

• Fluid & Electrolyte Balance – controlled intravenous fluids or diuretics, plus medication to lower potassium safely.
• Blood-Pressure Optimisation – ACE inhibitors, ARBs or bespoke combinations, adjusted to minimise further damage.
• Diabetes Management – kidney-protective glucose-lowering agents when diabetes is present.
• Anaemia Correction – intravenous iron and erythropoiesis-stimulating therapy.
• Phosphate & Bone Care – vitamin D analogues and phosphate binders, alongside dietitian-guided meal plans.
• Medication Safety Review – pharmacy team removes or dose-adjusts drugs that can harm failing kidneys.
• Lifestyle Coaching – smoking cessation, weight management and gentle exercise with our Rehabilitation Service.
• Dialysis & Transplant Referral – early coordination with regional renal centres; education sessions prepare you for haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or transplant listing.

Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Fast turnaround: most kidney-function panels back in 24 hours
• Integrated expertise: diagnostics, cardiology, dietetics and rehabilitation under one roof
• Consultant-led care: senior physicians oversee every stage, with external nephrologist input arranged when needed
• Smooth referral pathways to Oxford and Milton Keynes dialysis and transplant units
• Comfort and convenience: private ensuite rooms, free parking and easy access from surrounding counties

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kidney Failure Always Permanent?
Acute kidney failure from dehydration, sepsis or certain drugs can reverse if treated quickly. Chronic end-stage failure is permanent, but dialysis or transplant can replace lost function.

How Will I Know It’s Time For Dialysis?
We track symptoms, blood tests and fluid status. Indications include uncontrolled high potassium, worsening breathlessness, severe fatigue, or eGFR usually below 10 ml/min.

What Can I Eat And Drink?
Individual targets vary, but most people need to limit salt, keep protein moderate and watch potassium-rich foods like bananas and tomatoes. Our dietitians provide a personalised plan.

Protect Your Kidney Health Today

Call 01296 678 800 or enquire online to arrange your kidney-failure assessment and personalised management plan.