Mayo Clinic Care Network Content
Definitions

Chronic renal failure


Overview

Chronic renal failure is the gradual loss of kidney function. The kidneys filter wastes and excess fluids from the blood. As kidneys fail, waste builds up.

Symptoms

Symptoms develop slowly and aren't specific to the disease.

Treatments

Medications help manage symptoms. Later, filtering the blood with a machine (dialysis) or a transplant may be needed.