Kidney failure is a medical condition where the kidneys are unable to perform their usual function of filtering waste products from the blood. The spelling of "kidney failure" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. The first syllable "kid" is pronounced as /kɪd/ (rhymes with "lid"), and the second syllable "ney" as /ni:/ (similar to "knee"). The stress is on the first syllable, making it pronounced as "KID-nee." The word "failure" is pronounced as /ˈfeɪljər/ (rhymes with "mailer") with primary stress on the first syllable.
Kidney failure, medically known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or renal failure, refers to the condition in which the kidneys lose their ability to function effectively. This occurs when the kidneys are unable to filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood, leading to an accumulation of toxins and fluids in the body. Kidney failure can be either acute or chronic.
In acute kidney failure, the decline in kidney function is sudden and occurs within a short period. This type of renal failure is usually triggered by severe dehydration, blood loss, infections, or adverse reactions to certain medications. Acute kidney failure can be reversible with prompt medical intervention.
On the other hand, chronic kidney failure is a long-term condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to perform their functions over an extended period. This is often a result of underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney diseases. Chronic kidney failure is typically irreversible, and patients may require long-term dialysis or a kidney transplant to sustain their life.
Symptoms of kidney failure may include fatigue, weakness, decreased urine output, swelling in the legs or ankles, shortness of breath, nausea, and confusion. Treatment for kidney failure involves managing the underlying cause, as well as adopting lifestyle modifications like dietary changes and medications. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial to prevent the progression of kidney failure and its associated complications, as it is a potentially life-threatening condition if left untreated.
The word "kidney" comes from the Old English word "cyrice", meaning "kidneys", which is derived from the Latin word "renes", meaning "kidneys" as well. The term "failure" comes from the Old French word "faillir", meaning "to be lacking" or "to fail".
Therefore, combining "kidney" and "failure", the term "kidney failure" refers to the condition when the kidneys are not functioning properly or are unable to perform their essential functions.