When the kidneys become diseased or damaged, they lose their ability to perform their vital functions. As a result, waste products and excess fluids build up in the blood, become toxic and damage the body. This may cause a variety of symptoms, particularly swelling of the hands and feet, shortness of breath, and a frequent urge to urinate.

Most kidney disease attack the nephron and destroy them which cause to lose their filtering capacity. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common cause of kidney disease. Injury, exposure to toxins and certain medications and trauma can lead to kidney disease.

If the blood supply to the kidneys is reduced considerably from blood loss, a fall in blood pressure, severe dehydration or lack of salt, then the kidneys may be damaged. This may lead to permanent damage to the kidney tissue.

Kidney (Renal) failure occurs when the kidneys partly or completely lose their filtering ability. Acute and Chronic are the two types of Renal failure. When kidney failure happens suddenly it is called acute renal failure. Chronic renal failure usually develops slowly, with few signs or symptoms in the early stage. Mild kidney disease is often called renal insufficiency.