What is the outlook for people with uremia?
Uremia usually requires dialysis and careful monitoring. Without dialysis, severe uremia may cause a coma and eventually death.
How long can a person live with uremia?
If you have kidney failure severe enough to cause uremia, you may survive only a few days or weeks without dialysis or a kidney transplant. If you choose not to start dialysis (for example, if you have another serious illness that’ll significantly shorten how long you may live), then healthcare providers can help care for you and treat the symptoms of uremia (palliative care).
Should I make any changes to my diet?
If you have CKD, you should follow a heart-healthy, low-sodium eating pattern. You may need to adjust or avoid certain medications. A healthcare provider can help you make the safest choices.
If your CKD is more advanced, you may develop elevated levels of potassium, phosphorus or parathyroid hormone (PTH). In such cases, you should talk to a healthcare provider or dietitian who specializes in kidney health (renal dietitian) before changing your diet or taking supplements.
Renal dietitians may often recommend eating patterns to help prevent these elevated levels. This includes limiting your intake of:
- Potassium.
- Phosphate.
- Protein.
When should I see a healthcare provider?
Schedule regular appointments with a healthcare provider to monitor your kidney health.
Contact a provider if you have kidney disease risk factors, including:
- A biological family history of kidney disease.
- A past kidney injury.
- High blood pressure.
- Changes in your peeing habits.
- Swelling (edema), especially around your ankles, hands or face.
- You take a lot of NSAIDs.
When should I go to the ER?
Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 or your local emergency number if you or someone else with kidney issues shows signs of:
- Abnormal behavior.
- Chest pain.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Confusion.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Not knowing where you are (disorientation).
- Drowsiness.
- Fatigue.
- Nausea and vomiting.
What questions should I ask a healthcare provider?
You may want to ask your provider:
- How do you know that I have uremia?
- Should I make changes to what I eat and drink?
- What’s your recommended treatment?
- Can you refer me to a nephrologist?
- Can you refer me to a support group?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Uremia is a serious medical condition that occurs when your kidneys aren’t working well. It’s a sign of untreated kidney failure. It can cause hormone imbalances and metabolic problems. Without treatment, uremia is fatal. Medication can ease some uremia symptoms. But if you have uremia, you need ongoing dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Healthcare providers are available to answer any questions you have. They can also recommend support groups for you or your loved ones to help you adjust.
