End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) occurs when the kidneys do not function normally. The most common causes of ESRD include diabetes, hypertension, kidney infections, as well as several other diseases. When the kidneys do not function normally, waste products build up in the body and cause problems. These problems include the following: weakness in the muscles, heart problems, lung problems, general weakness, and overall problems in doing activities throughout the day. Problems with the heart and lungs are especially common and have very serious side effects.
Persons with ESRD are usually treated by being hooked up to a machine to help clean their blood. Kidney transplants are also used to help treat ESRD. Without treatment, ESRD will eventually lead to death.
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By Meghan Dowd, SPT; Neil Zerger, SPT; Brian Schlattman, SPT, CSCS; Dan Ha, SPT; Patrick Cross, PT, DPT (2004)
Updated 10/30/04 |
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