Common Symptoms Of Uremia

Pericarditis

An individual affected by uremia may experience pericarditis. The fibroelastic sac that surrounds the heart is called the pericardium. There is usually between fifteen and fifty milliliters of fluid that stays between the pericardium's two layers to lubricate them. Pericarditis occurs when this sac around the heart becomes inflamed and swollen. The uremic toxins in the blood of affected individuals are known to produce a sharp increase in the yield of nitrogenous waste substances. These waste substances can have a pro-inflammatory effect that can contribute to the development of pericarditis.

This inflammatory reaction includes the secretion of the inflammatory markers interleukin 6, interleukin 1, and tumor necrosis factor. This process results in adhesions, deposits of fibrous tissues, and severe inflammation that all cause the pericardium to become damaged. Additionally, pericardial effusion or a buildup of fluid in the pericardium may occur due to a hemorrhage associated with the impaired platelet function in a patient. This disposition of fluid or blood can cause further damage to the pericardium, exacerbating the inflammatory responses that cause pericarditis.

Shortness Of Breath

Shortness of breath may present as a symptom of uremia. A few different mechanisms can contribute to the occurrence of breathlessness in uremia. The renal tubular cells are responsible for regulating the acid-base homeostasis in an individual. Because these cells are not working right, hydrogen ion secretion is decreased while ammonium excretion is disrupted. The result is an accumulation of phosphate, sulfuric acid, hippuric acid, and lactic acid. This buildup disrupts the balance between negatively charged electrolytes and positively charged electrolytes in the body, resulting in metabolic acidosis.

Acidosis in the body causes symptoms such as lethargy and hyperventilation. Hyperventilation is a condition where the lungs are working harder than the body needs. This can make a patient feel like they are short of breath or unable to breathe in enough air. Uremia can also cause anemia, which leads to a lack of oxygen delivery to tissues around the body. The heart and lungs attempt to compensate for this in response. This compensation includes increased heart rate and breathing rate. Furthermore, a buildup of fluid around the lungs or heart as a result of uremia can cause a patient to feel short of breath.