What is uremia?

Uremia refers to the condition characterized by the presence of excessive amounts of urea and other waste products in the blood, a result of impaired kidney function. This condition often arises when the kidneys are unable to effectively filter and excrete these waste substances, typically due to chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury. As a consequence, the accumulation of urea in the bloodstream leads to various symptoms, including fatigue, nausea, and confusion, as well as more severe complications if left untreated.

The term explicitly signifies the presence of elevated urea levels, differentiating it from normal or lower levels that would not warrant the designation of uremia. While complete kidney failure and chronic kidney function can be related concepts, they do not define uremia specifically. Uremia indicates a pathological state rather than merely the absence of kidney function or a chronic state without the specifics of waste accumulation.