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Health Line
12-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What Happens If Your Kidneys Fail? Signs and Complications
Key takeaways Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys can no longer filter waste and excess fluid from the blood, leading to a buildup of toxins in the body. Symptoms of kidney failure can include swelling, fatigue, changes in urination, and confusion. Without medical treatment, life expectancy after kidney failure is typically a few weeks, but dialysis or a kidney transplant can significantly extend a person's life. If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), your kidneys cannot filter waste and excess fluid from your blood as well as they should. But kidney disease is not the same as kidney failure. End-stage kidney failure means important body functions are compromised. You'll feel sick. Your life will even be at risk without medical treatment. CKD is a progressive disease that develops in five stages, meaning that your kidney function gets worse over time. Kidney failure is the fifth and final stage of CKD. Some healthcare professionals call it end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It is possible to stop the progression of CKD before it reaches the fifth stage for some people. Others may not be aware they have CKD until their kidneys fail. Although there's currently no cure for CKD, you can take some steps to slow disease progression and prevent kidney failure. If your kidneys fail, they're no longer able to work on their own, but treatment is available that can help you live longer. What happens when you have kidney disease? The effects of kidney disease on the body may vary depending on the stage of CKD. If you have CKD, your kidneys will progressively lose the ability to perform their functions. The main job of the kidneys is to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood and balance salts and minerals like calcium, potassium, and sodium. Kidneys also produce hormones that your body needs to: manage blood pressure make red blood cells keep bones strong Living with CKD increases the chances of developing: high blood pressure (hypertension) heart disease anemia gout excess potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia) metabolic acidosis immune system challenges bone disease You may not have any symptoms or mild symptoms during the early stages of CKD, but you will start feeling sick as your kidneys fail. How do you know if your kidneys are failing? When your kidneys fail, you may develop generalized symptoms related to kidney functions. These can vary in intensity. Healthcare professionals consider you to be in the stage of kidney failure when your kidney function is reduced to 15% or less. Kidney failure signs and symptoms may include: dark urine edema (swelling) in your ankles, legs, and feet persistent or recurrent headaches itchy skin restless legs unexplained fatigue (low energy) sleep disturbances digestive symptoms like nausea little or no urine muscle cramps generalized aches and pains cognitive challenges like trouble focusing or remembering information Symptoms of end-stage kidney failure may include: pain in your bones vomiting unintended weight loss changes in skin color and texture loss of appetite mental confusion nosebleeds an inability to urinate What are the signs of dying from kidney failure? If you have kidney failure, you're left with about 10–15% of your kidney function. At this point, your kidneys can no longer function on their own. You may experience more severe and persistent symptoms, in addition to: fever seizures coma How long can you live if your kidneys fail? Without any medical treatment, life expectancy after kidney failure is only a few weeks. While there's no way to undo kidney failure, treatment in the form of dialysis or kidney transplant may help you live longer. In fact, once you reach end-stage kidney failure, you need medical treatment to survive. According to the National Kidney Foundation, the average life expectancy for people on dialysis is 5–10 years. Some people receive dialysis for as long as 30 years. Many factors can affect life expectancy if you have kidney failure. Lifestyle changes and medications can help improve your quality of life. For example: getting regular medical check-ups following your doctor's recommendations and treatment plan focusing on a nutrient-dense diet daily physical activity managing related conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure Can you survive if both kidneys fail? Most people can survive with one healthy kidney. If both of your kidneys fail, you'll need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dietary changes and regular exercise may help your treatments work better. Your diet is key to maintaining the proper balance of salts, fluids, and minerals in your body. Exercise strengthens your body and brings oxygen to your tissues. It can also improve your mood and help you sleep at night. What treatments are available for kidney failure? Dialysis Dialysis does the work your kidneys no longer can, filtering your blood to remove waste products. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis During hemodialysis, your blood goes through an external filter containing a dialysis solution that removes waste and excess water. Your blood leaves your body and then returns via needles in your arm. You can have hemodialysis at a dialysis center or at home. Peritoneal dialysis With peritoneal dialysis, a surgeon inserts a catheter into your abdomen. Dialysis solution from a bag enters your abdomen through the catheter. Once the bag is empty, you disconnect it and cap the catheter. You can then carry on with everyday activities. The dialysis solution in your abdomen absorbs waste and excess fluid from your body. After several hours, you drain and discard the used dialysis solution through the catheter into an empty bag. You may need to repeat this process 4–6 times a day. You can perform this type of dialysis anywhere. It can also work while you're sleeping with the help of a machine called a cycler. Kidney transplant A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure in which one or both of your kidneys are replaced with a donor kidney. A transplant can be from a living or deceased donor. Your doctor can guide you through the process of finding a living donor or getting on a waitlist. A successful kidney transplant may help you to live longer than if you remained on dialysis. In many cases, donor recipients can live the way they did before they had kidney disease. As with any surgery, risks with transplant surgery are possible. You'll also need to take anti-rejection medication to protect your new kidney from your immune system. This type of medication increases your risk of infection and some types of cancer. The takeaway When your kidneys stop working, you'll need medical treatment to survive. Life expectancy is often reduced to a few weeks if your kidneys fail. However, treatment is available and usually effective to help you feel better and live longer. Signs your kidneys are failing may include swelling, itchiness, aches and pains, weight loss, an inability to urinate, and confusion. Coma is possible in the end stages of kidney failure.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Dialysis Patient Citizens Applauds Texas Legislature for Passing Historic Bill Expanding Affordable Medigap Access for Dialysis and ALS Patients
AUSTIN, Texas, June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- House Bill 2516 has become public law, a significant victory for Texans living with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or kidney failure, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The legislation, championed by Representative Ryan Guillen (R-TX-31), received overwhelming bipartisan support in the Texas State Legislature, passing the House with a 133-4 vote and the Senate unanimously. The law guarantees that ESRD and ALS patients under the age of 65 can access affordable Medigap insurance. Specifically, Medigap Plans A, B, and D will be available at the same premium rate as for those age 65, while the remaining plans will be capped at no more than 200% of the age 65 rate. Now, younger Texans suffering from ESRD and ALS no longer need to worry about Medicare's gaps in coverage. "Today is a landmark moment for dialysis and ALS patients across Texas," said Andrew Conkling, Board President for Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC). "This law brings long-overdue relief to individuals who, until now, faced Medigap premiums as high as $1,700 per month simply because they were under 65. It restores fairness and makes critical coverage accessible to those who need it most." Previously, under-65 ESRD and ALS patients in Texas were priced out of Medigap plans due to prohibitively high premiums. HB 2516 ensures those patients can finally afford the supplemental insurance they rely on to cover the gaps in Medicare. DPC Patient Ambassador and Texas resident Patricia Benavidez-Patel shared her compelling story in support of the bill, stating: "I've lived with dialysis, and I've lived with the constant fear of bills I can't afford. This law gives patients like me a real chance; it gives me not only a chance to survive, but a chance to live without fear of medical debt." In addition, former DPC board member Natalie Zuniga, who recently passed away, wrote a letter to the editor in defense of Medigap access. Her voice continues to echo during this victory for the dialysis community, which she so fiercely supported. Dialysis Patient Citizens thanks Representative Guillen for his steadfast leadership, Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature, and all the patient advocates who helped make this victory possible. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Dialysis Patient Citizens Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Renalyx launches India's first indigenous AI based smart hemodialysis machine, makes renal care accessible and affordable
Renalyx dignitaries with AI based smart hemodialysis machine MUMBAI: Renalyx Health Systems Pvt. Ltd., a pioneering technology innovation company in renal care, has launched RENALYX – RxT 21, India's first fully indigenous, AI and cloud-enabled smart hemodialysis machine with real-time remote monitoring and clinical connectivity facility. Price starting at INR 6.70 lakh - significantly lower than the imported machines - RENALYX – RxT 21 will make dialysis affordable and accessible to a larger population and bridge the demand-supply gap in the renal care across semi-urban and rural regions. According to Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program (PMNDP) data, approximately 2.2 lakh new cases of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) are reported in India each year, creating an additional demand for 3.4 crore dialysis sessions annually Completely designed and manufactured in India, RENALYX – RxT 21 leverages latest technologies including cloud-based telenephrology platforms to offer safety and quality care to kidney patients, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients especially those with cardiovascular, pulmonary and acute kidney injury-related issues. RENALYX – RxT 21 makes Renalyx the sixth company globally and first in India to produce an advanced dialysis machine with EU CE certification. Renalyx has plans to invest INR 800 crores in the next four years to build the manufacturing capacity of 5,000 machines by FY25-26 and will develop additional capacity of 1500 machines by FY27-28. The company also have plans to manufacture consumables indigenously. The company has manufacturing facilities at Bengaluru and Mysuru in Karnataka and at Mumbai in Maharashtra to support its scale-up plans and meet the growing demand. The company plans to raise funds through the sale of equity, backed by strong interest from prominent Indian and international investors. In addition, it will raise debt, and the promoters will also invest capital. Renalyx also has plans to go public within the next three years. With initial deployments of the machine planned in Maharashtra and Karnataka, Renalyx will go for rapid pan-India distribution of RENALYX – RxT 21 with its partners as well as exports to other countries. The company has successfully penetrated international markets, securing orders from South Africa, the USA, and Europe. Commenting on the launch of Rx T21, Dr. Shyam Vasudeva Rao, Founder & Director of Renalyx Health Systems said, 'Our cutting-edge hemodialysis machine will revolutionise the renal care by making dialysis facility affordable and accessible, thus strengthening the kidney healthcare infrastructure of the country. By bringing dialysis services closer to patients' homes, RxT 21 will help in addressing the rising Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) burden and ESRD patients. Our indigenously developed hemodialysis machine will play a game-changing role in reducing dialysis expense, thus ensuring better healthcare impact. Going forward, we have plans to scale up our manufacturing capacity and reduce the Total Cost of Ownership of RxT 21 by 40% compared to that of imported machines. We have plans to develop a broader range of technologically advanced machines over the next three years, including a home dialysis model. In line with the government vision of 'Make in India Make for the World', we aim to export our machine to various countries to make a larger impact on renal care infrastructure globally. We aim to become one of the world's leading producers and exporters within the next five years.' The Indian CDSCO approval of the machine is in its final stages and is expected by July 2025, while the U.S. FDA approval process is underway and anticipated by March 2026. The RENALYX – RxT 21 machines are equipped with advanced features such as Integrated Nephrology Information System (NIS) on the cloud, AI based smart algorithms, Electronic Medical Records (EMR) integration, remote diagnostics and alerts through real-time telemetry, Advanced image processing, Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) capabilities for continuous performance monitoring and clinical oversight. Thanks to these advanced features, doctors can remotely access patients' EMR, current settings of the dialysis machine and patients' critical event history to take action and advise necessary treatment and care. Renalyx plans to install RxT 21 at primary health centres (PHC), community health centres (CHC), private dialysis centres and hospitals to make renal care available to a large number of people. The company has set up local service teams and created technician training programs to ensure smooth roll-out of the smart machines. The company will set up franchisee centres across India along with its partners. The company, in collaboration with its partner, will set up franchise centres across India and in international markets. In addition, Renalyx has awarded manufacturing license to Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL) to produce 6,000 RENALYX – RxT 17 in the next three years. RENALYX – RxT 17 is a previously launched dialysis machine by Renalyx which comes with standard features and facilities. With RENALYX – RxT 21 and RxT 17, Renalyx aims to play its role in making dialysis services affordable and accessible to the rural areas due to the recurring nature of the treatment.
United News of India
12-06-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Renalyx launches world's first indigenous AI-based Smart Hemodialysis Machine
Pune, June 11 (UNI) Renalyx Health Systems Pvt. Ltd., a pioneering technology innovation company in renal care, has launched RENALYX – RxT 21, the world's first fully indigenous, AI and cloud-enabled smart hemodialysis machine with real-time remote monitoring and clinical connectivity facility. RENALYX – RxT 21 will make dialysis affordable and accessible to a larger population and bridge the demand-supply gap in the renal care across semi-urban and rural regions. Completely designed and manufactured in India, RENALYX – RxT 21 leverages latest technologies including cloud-based telenephrology platforms to offer safety and quality care to kidney patients, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients especially those with cardiovascular, pulmonary and acute kidney injury-related issues, said release today. RENALYX – RxT 21 makes Renalyx the sixth company globally and first in India to produce an advanced dialysis machine with EU CE certification. Renalyx has plans to invest INR 800 crores in the next four years to build the manufacturing capacity of 5,000 machines by FY25-26 and will develop additional capacity of 1500 machines by FY27-28. The company also has plans to manufacture consumables indigenously. The company has manufacturing facilities at Bengaluru and Mysuru in Karnataka and at Mumbai in Maharashtra to support its scale-up plans and meet the growing demand. The company plans to raise funds through the sale of equity, backed by strong interest from prominent Indian and international investors. In addition, it will raise debt, and the promoters will also invest capital. Renalyx also has plans to go public within the next three years, said the release. UNI SP RN
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Dialysis Patient Citizens Applauds Nevada Governor Signing Legislation Expanding Access to Affordable Medigap Coverage for Dialysis Patients
CARSON CITY, Nev., June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Joe Lombardo (R-NV) and the Nevada State Legislature have taken a historic step to ensure affordable access to Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, also known as Medigap, to Medicare enrollees under age 65, including Nevada residents with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Senate Bill 292, sponsored and championed by Senator Roberta Lange (D-NV-7), passed the Senate unanimously and the Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support (39-3), and it was signed into law by Governor Lombardo. SB 292 guarantees that dialysis patients under 65-years-old in Nevada have access to affordable Medigap coverage, filling dire gaps in Medicare coverage for Nevadans who neither had access to Medicaid nor employer-provided private insurance to cover the remaining 20% of treatment expenses. SB 292 becomes effective October 1, 2025, and it provides access for under age 65 Nevadans with ESRD to enroll in Medigap Plans A, B, and D at the same premium rate as those age of 65. The remaining plans would be available at no more than twice the standard rate for age 65. The legislation not only impacts individuals who have just initiated dialysis and enrolled in Medicare Part B, but it also includes a one-time, 6-month special open enrollment period for dialysis patients who are already enrolled in Medicare Part B. This one-time enrollment period will run from October 1, 2025, to April 1, 2026. "This legislation is life-changing for dialysis patients under 65 across Nevada who have never had access to any Medigap coverage," said Andrew Conkling, President of the Board of Directors for Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC). "For the first time, Nevadans living with kidney failure can access coverage that fills the dangerous gaps in Medicare and gives them the financial stability they need to focus on their health." Chuck Lizer, a DPC Patient Ambassador and Nevada resident, provided compelling testimony in support of the bill. "I've lived through the stress and hardship of trying to cover out-of-pocket Medicare costs without a Medigap option," Lizer said. "This legislation will prevent others from going through that same hardship." DPC commends Senator Lange, the Nevada Legislature, and Governor Lombardo for their leadership on behalf of patients with kidney failure. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Dialysis Patient Citizens Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
