Azotemia is a blood composition problem in which nitrogenous compounds exceed beyond the normal range. Fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, decreased appetite, and alertness are some of the common symptoms of this medical condition.
It is observed that a number of elements and compounds constitute the blood. All these blood components are in proportion to the volume of blood. Various studies have revealed that the nitrogenous compounds form an integral part of blood composition. Azotemia is a condition in which these nitrogen type compounds like urea and creatinine are found in surplus amounts in the bloodstream.
Symptoms
The symptoms of excessively high amount of nitrogen containing compounds in the blood is certainly bothersome. It is observed that urine color drastically shifts in these patients. Dark, reddish urine is the most common symptom of azotemia. Change in urine color may be accompanied by difficulty peeing. Some patients also experience decreased urine output. Besides painful urination, the patient may also show edema (accumulation of body fluids in the ankles). The excess buildup of nitrogenous compounds eventually gets collected in the extremities such as the elbows and the ankles. Other symptoms are given below:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Confusion
- Dry mouth
- Rapid pulse
- Elevated heart rate
- Decreased alertness
- Fluctuations in blood pressure
- Seizures
- Pale skin color
Causes
The occurrence of azotemia has been linked to kidney dysfunction. As we all know, the kidneys are involved in the filtration of blood. This filtration process separates excess nitrogen-type wastes from the blood, thereby helping to regulate the composition of blood. The surplus nitrogen compounds from the blood are then eliminated out of the body in the form of urine. If malfunctioning of the kidneys or kidney failure is responsible for abnormally high levels of nitrogenous compounds, the condition is referred to as renal azotemia.
However, in some cases the person is diagnosed with this blood composition problem, despite having normal kidney function. This happens because the amount of blood flowing through the kidneys is less than normal. As a result, the volume of blood getting filtered is not enough to maintain normal levels of nitrogenous compounds. This condition resulting from reduced blood supply to the kidneys is referred to as prerenal azotemia.
This medical condition associated with kidney impairments requires urgent medical treatment. If treatment is ignored or not taken at the right time, it may cause irreversible damage to the kidneys. The doctor may also recommend techniques like hemodialysis in which the impurities are extracted from the blood.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
