Condition Lookup

Start typing to search for a specific condition, or select a specialty to see all of its conditions

Sub-Category:

Uremia

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Renal and Urologic Emergencies

Sub-category: Renal Failure Complications

Symptoms:
nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite; fatigue; confusion; seizures; muscle cramps; itching; fluid retention; shortness of breath; high blood pressure; altered mental status

Root Cause:
Accumulation of urea and other nitrogenous waste products in the blood due to impaired kidney function. This condition arises from chronic or acute renal failure, leading to toxic effects on multiple organ systems.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests showing elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, electrolyte imbalances, and metabolic acidosis; urinalysis may indicate proteinuria or hematuria; imaging (ultrasound or CT) may show kidney abnormalities. Clinical symptoms and history are also critical.

Treatment:
Emergency treatment includes dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) to remove waste products and restore electrolyte balance. Supportive care includes addressing fluid overload and managing complications such as hypertension and metabolic acidosis.

Medications:
Diuretics (e.g., furosemide )

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common among individuals with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney injury (AKI); incidence rises in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, advanced age, polycystic kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders affecting the kidneys (e.g., lupus nephritis).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With timely dialysis and treatment, symptoms can be managed effectively; however, the underlying renal disease usually remains progressive without a transplant. Untreated uremia is life-threatening.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cardiac arrhythmias, pericarditis, seizures, encephalopathy, fluid overload, and death if untreated.