End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is the final stage of chronic kidney disease, where kidney function has declined to the point that the kidneys can no longer function on their own.
Chronic kidney disease occurs when kidneys are damaged and can no longer function efficiently. The kidneys can no longer remove armful wastes from the body and these begin to accumalate causing blood pressure to rise, retention of excess fluid and failure to make enough red blood cells. The symptoms of kidney failure vary from person to person and may change as kidney failure progresses. These symptoms include fatigue, drowsiness, changes in urination, dry and itchy skin, headaches, unexplained weight loss, nausea, pain in bones, skin and nail changes and bruising.
For ESRD when kidneys have lost all function, treatment options are limited to dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Source: End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) | Johns Hopkins Medicine & Kidney Failure: MedlinePlus