Acute kidney failure is a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when your kidneys suddenly stop functioning properly and are unable to filter waste from your blood. If left untreated, acute kidney failure can lead to a number of serious complications. It is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for acute kidney failure in order to properly diagnose and treat this condition. Understanding the factors that contribute to acute kidney failure can help you identify early warning signs and seek appropriate medical care. Knowing what treatment options are available can also help you make decisions about your treatment.
This article will provide an overview of acute kidney failure and discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this condition.
What is acute kidney failure?
Acute kidney failure is a sudden decrease in kidney function that occurs when your kidneys can’t filter your blood properly. When your kidneys can’t filter your blood, waste products and fluids build up in your body. When someone is diagnosed with acute kidney failure, it is important to understand the difference between acute and chronic kidney failure. Acute kidney failure is a sudden and dramatic loss of kidney function that requires immediate medical attention. This is often caused by an infection or injury. Chronic renal failure, on the other hand, is a much slower process in which the kidneys gradually lose their function over time. Chronic kidney failure rarely comes on suddenly and is often a progressive disease that is associated with many other health conditions.
Causes of acute kidney failure
There are many causes of acute kidney failure, but most cases are caused by a sudden injury or infection. The most common causes of acute kidney failure include:
- Infection
- Dehydration
- Swallow poison
- Significant blood loss
- Hypercalcemia
- Heart failure
Symptoms of acute kidney failure
- Fever and chills
- Easily Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Poor appetite and thirst
- Swelling in the extremities
- Decreased urination
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
- The stomach is swollen and painful when pressed
- Decreased consciousness or delirium
- Temporary Coma
While some of these symptoms are associated with other conditions, a diagnosis of acute renal failure will likely result in an increase in the frequency and intensity of these symptoms.
Diagnosis of acute kidney failure
If you experience symptoms as above, the doctor will carry out a thorough physical examination and perform laboratory tests to determine your current health condition and identify any conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms.
The diagnosis of acute kidney failure will be confirmed by laboratory tests that measure the amount of waste products and fluids in your blood. In addition, your doctor will likely order a urinalysis to check your kidneys’ ability to filter blood and identify any abnormalities. Your doctor may also order imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan to visualize the structure and function of your kidneys and look for signs of disease or injury.
Treatment for acute kidney failure
If you are diagnosed with acute kidney failure, your doctor will likely recommend treatment to help you regain normal kidney function. Treatment options vary depending on the cause of acute kidney failure and the severity of your condition. The following are some of the common treatment options for acute kidney failure:
- Medical management
- Wash the blood
- Kidney transplant
Complications in acute kidney failure
Left untreated, acute kidney failure can result in significant complications, many of which can be fatal. Some of the more serious complications of acute kidney failure include:
– Hyperkalemia (increased potassium in the blood)
– Hypernatremia (increased sodium in the blood)
– Metabolic acidosis
– Metabolic alkalosis
– Respiratory alkalosis
– Respiratory acidosis
– Heart failure
– Seizures – seizures
– Coma
Prevention of acute kidney failure
The best way to prevent acute kidney failure is to eat a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat sources of protein. A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals can help maintain normal kidney function and help prevent acute kidney failure.
However, if you currently have acute kidney failure, the best way to treat your condition is to follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding diet and medication. Your doctor will likely recommend a low-protein diet rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber, as protein is metabolized by the kidneys and can make your condition worse. Your doctor may also recommend a special diet for patients with metabolic acidosis, as this condition can be made worse by certain types of carbohydrates. Depending on your lab results, your doctor may recommend a low sodium diet or even a low sodium diet when you have acute kidney failure.
In addition, there are several other steps you can take to help prevent acute kidney failure, including:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
- Avoid certain drugs
- Get enough rest
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid taking unnecessary antibiotics
- Avoid unnecessary medical tests
- Frequently wash hands
- Taking care of teeth
- Avoid the use of tobacco products / smoking