Our kidneys have a number of vital roles to play in the daily functions of
our body. They can eliminate waste products and extra fluid from the blood and
maintain the balance of electrolytes and acid-base balance. Kidney Failure
occurs when kidneys are no longer able to perform their functions to full
capacity.
Symptoms of Renal Failure are secondary to an inability to maintain
these normal functions. While, can Kidney Failure cause shortness of breath?
When the kidney fails, the body will develop many dire conditions. The
symptoms are initially vague and are not noticed until the condition becomes
more advanced. Shortness of breath, or breathlessness is a common kidney symptom
in advanced renal failure. This problem can be caused due to anemia, extra fluid
on the lungs or as a result of toxins accumulation in the blood.
1. Anemia
Kidney trouble can also make people anemic - this means they don't have
enough red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. If a
person doesn't have enough these cells, the body isn't getting enough oxygen and
that can make patient feel short of breath.
2. Pulmonary oedema
Fluid retention may lead to accumulation of fluid within the lungs, reducing
the available area for exchange of gases like oxygen. This may give rise to the
sensation of being unable to catch one's breath. If a person is really swollen
around his lower legs and ankles, this is more likely the reason.
3. Toxins build up in the blood
If the kidneys are compromised for whatever reason, they can not eliminate
wastes and extra CO2 from the blood, so the CO2 in the blood just keeps rising
and this leads the lungs to try to exhale more CO2 to make up for this. The
harder the lungs work, the faster people will breath. After a while, patient
will begin to get tired and feel short of breath.