Why are patients with kidney dysfunction prone to facial swelling?

Jun 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Guang

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, the causes of facial swelling in patients with renal insufficiency include water and sodium retention, hypoalbuminemia, decreased glomerular filtration function, inflammatory responses, and hormonal changes. When kidney function is impaired, the kidneys' filtration and excretion functions decline, leading to the retention of excess water and sodium in the body that cannot be effectively eliminated.

Generally, the causes of facial swelling in patients with renal insufficiency include water-sodium retention, hypoalbuminemia, decreased glomerular filtration function, inflammatory responses, and hormonal changes. Details are as follows:

1. Water-Sodium Retention: In renal insufficiency, the kidney's filtration and excretion functions are impaired, leading to the retention of excess water and sodium in the body, which cannot be promptly removed. This retained fluid may accumulate in subcutaneous tissues, particularly in loose areas such as the face, causing facial swelling.

2. Hypoalbuminemia: Patients with renal insufficiency often have hypoalbuminemia, characterized by reduced albumin levels in the plasma. Albumin is a key factor in maintaining plasma colloid osmotic pressure. When this pressure decreases, fluid tends to leak from blood vessels into the surrounding tissues, accumulating in subcutaneous areas and causing facial swelling.

3. Decreased Glomerular Filtration Function: The glomerulus is a critical component of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and excreting waste and excess fluids. When glomerular filtration function declines, waste products and fluids accumulate in the body, potentially leading to facial swelling.

4. Inflammatory Responses: Renal insufficiency can be caused by various inflammatory conditions, such as glomerulonephritis and pyelonephritis. These inflammatory conditions may cause damage to kidney tissues, impairing normal kidney function and resulting in the retention of water and waste products, which can lead to facial swelling.

5. Hormonal Changes: Patients with renal insufficiency experience alterations in hormone levels. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) promotes water reabsorption by the renal tubules and collecting ducts, thereby reducing urine output. Increased secretion of ADH can lead to greater water retention in the body, potentially causing facial swelling.

Patients should actively cooperate with their physicians' treatment plans, and adjust their lifestyle and dietary habits to alleviate symptoms such as facial swelling.

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Can patients with renal insufficiency drink milk?

In general, patients with renal insufficiency can drink milk, but should do so in moderation. Low-fat or fat-free milk should be selected to reduce fat intake. Milk should not be consumed on an empty stomach; instead, it can be consumed with starchy foods such as bread or steamed buns to aid digestion and absorption. If the patient has hyperphosphatemia, low-phosphorus milk should be chosen to avoid excessive phosphorus intake, which may affect the condition.

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Can a kidney transplant be performed for kidney failure?

In general, whether a patient with renal insufficiency can undergo kidney transplantation needs to be determined based on specific circumstances. When the medical condition is suitable and the physical condition permits, kidney transplantation can be performed; however, if the condition is severe or there are contraindications, kidney transplantation is not advisable. To preserve kidney function, patients with renal insufficiency need to perform proper daily care, including regular monitoring of kidney function indicators and timely adjustment of treatment plans.

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Is regular follow-up testing needed for kidney dysfunction?

Renal insufficiency requires regular follow-up examinations, which are important for monitoring the condition and adjusting treatment. In daily life, patients with renal insufficiency should adhere to a healthy lifestyle in addition to regular follow-up visits. This includes a low-salt, low-fat diet, adequate hydration, avoiding excessive fatigue, and managing underlying diseases. Combining regular follow-up examinations with daily care helps better maintain kidney function.

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Can patients with renal insufficiency drink alcohol?

Under normal circumstances, patients with renal insufficiency should not consume alcohol, as drinking can impose additional strain on the kidneys and worsen the condition. After entering the body, alcohol needs to be metabolized and excreted through the kidneys. However, in patients with renal insufficiency, the kidneys' filtration and metabolic functions are already impaired, making them unable to process alcohol normally and efficiently. Drinking alcohol can further加重 (increase) the burden on the kidneys.