Acute renal failure is also referred to as acute kidney damage or acute kidney failure. This occurs when the function of the kidneys is drastically decreased because of the damage. As a result, nitrogenous waste material end up getting excreted with the kidney.
The kidneys take out waste materials and help balance salt and water and other types of minerals (electrolytes) in the bloodstream. When the kidneys stop working, waste materials, fluids, and electrolytes accumulate in the body. This may bring on health consequences that are deadly.
Causes of Acute Renal Failure
Acute renal failure has three primary causes.
A sudden, serious drop in blood flow to the kidneys can result in acute renal failure. Severe blood loss, a wound, or a risky infection called sepsis may decrease blood flow to the kidneys. Not having enough water in the body (dehydration) may also damage the kidneys.
Damage from some medicines, poisons, or infections can cause acute renal failure. The majority of individuals do not have any kidney issues from using medications. Individuals who have severe, chronic health issues are more likely than other patients to suffer from a kidney illness from medications.
The drugs that may occasionally damage the kidneys include:
- Antibiotics, like gentamicin and streptomycin.
- Pain drugs, like acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and ibuprofen.
- A few blood pressure drugs, like ACE inhibitors.
- The dyes utilized in certain X-ray exams are known to cause acute renal failure.
- An unexpected obstruction that bars urine from flowing away from the kidneys. Kidney stones, a tumor, an accidental injury, or an swollen prostate may cause an obstruction.
You have a higher chance of acquiring acute renal failure if:
- You're an older patient.
- You have a chronic health issue like kidney or liver illness, diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary failure, or being overweight.
- You are already extremely sick and are at the hospital or intensive care (ICU). Heart operation or abdominal surgery or a bone marrow transplant could make someone more likely to experience renal failure.
Symptoms of Acute Renal Failure
Signs and symptoms of acute renal failure can include:
- Very little or no urine while you urinate.
- Swelling, particularly in the feet and legs.
- Not wanting to eat.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Feeling disoriented, nervous and fidgety, or sleepy.
- Pain in the back just beneath the rib cage. This is known as flank pain.
A few individuals may not suffer from any signs and symptoms.
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References:
Brady, HR, et al. (2004). "Acute renal failure." In: BM, Brenner. "Brenner and Rector's The Kidney."(7); 1: 1215–1292. Philadelphia: Saunders.
Mehta RL, et al. (2002). "Diuretics, mortality, and nonrecovery of renal function in acute renal failure." JAMA: 299 (20); 2547–2553.
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