Common Symptoms Of Uremia

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.