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Acute Kidney Failure: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis And Treatment
Acute kidney failure or acute renal failure (ARF) now called acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs when your kidneys stop working suddenly over a short period of time, usually in two days or less. Acute kidney failure is a serious syndrome and requires immediate treatment. It is more common in people who are hospitalised, especially people who are critically ill and needs extensive care [1].
What Causes Acute Kidney Failure?
Acute renal failure (acute kidney injury) is defined as a sudden decline in glomerular filtration rate leading to an increase in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels. According to the American Kidney Fund, acute kidney failure can occur due to the following reasons:
Diseases and conditions that reduce the blood flow to the kidneys can cause acute kidney failure, these include:
•
Blood
or
fluid
loss
•
Blood
pressure
medications
•
Heart
disease
[2]
•
Heart
attack
•
Liver
infection
•
An
infection
[1]
•
Severe
allergic
reaction
(anaphylaxis)
•
Severe
burns
•
Dehydration
[1]
Certain conditions can damage the kidneys and cause acute kidney failure, these include:
•
Renal
ischaemia
(deficiency
of
blood
in
one
or
both
the
kidneys
[1]
•
Sepsis
[1]
•
Lupus
•
Glomerulonephritis
(inflammation
of
the
tiny
filters
in
the
kidneys)
•
Some
blood
or
blood
vessel
disorders
•
Medications
that
directly
damage
the
kidneys
such
as
antibiotics
and
chemotherapy
drugs.
Diseases and conditions causing a blockage in the urinary tract can cause acute kidney failure, these include:
•
Kidney
stones
[3]
•
Bladder
problems
•
Enlarged
prostate
•
Certain
cancers
[4]
Symptoms Of Acute Kidney Failure
•
Decrease
in
urine
output
•
Difficulty
in
breathing
•
Pain
or
pressure
in
the
chest
•
Feeling
confused
•
Feeling
tired
•
Swelling
in
the
legs,
ankles
or
feet
•
Fatigue
•
Getting
bruised
easily
•
Loss
of
appetite
•
Hand
tremor
•
Stomach
and
back
pain
•
Fever
•
Nausea
•
Itching
on
the
skin
Risk Factors Of Acute Kidney Failure
Complications Of Acute Kidney Failure
•
Build-up
of
fluid
in
the
lungs
can
cause
shortness
of
breath.
•
Weakness
in
the
muscles
•
Chest
pain
•
Permanent
kidney
damage
•
Death
Diagnosis Of Acute Kidney Failure
The diagnosis of acute kidney failure is done based on an increase in serum creatinine and decrease in urine output. Diagnosis is done when there is a rise in serum creatinine by 0.3 mg/dl (26.5 μmol/l) or more in 48 hours to at least 1.5 times from the baseline within seven days [8].
Other tests such as blood tests, imaging tests and urine tests can help rule out acute kidney failure.
Treatment Of Acute Kidney Failure
• Fluid therapy is given to acute kidney failure patients whose underlying cause is hypovolemia (loss of salt and water and decrease in blood volume). It is provided to restore the fluid balance and increase blood flow without causing any fluid overload [9].
• Dialysis is a treatment procedure that involves removing excess water and toxins from the blood out of the body and purifies the blood using a machine. Dialysis can help treat acute kidney failure, but it may lead to a long-term risk of chronic kidney disease [10].
Prevention Of Acute Kidney Failure
•
Maintain
a
healthy
diet
•
Monitor
your
blood
pressure
levels
•
Practice
exercise
regularly
•
Avoid
having
excess
over-the-counter
medications
as
they
may
hurt
your
kidneys
and
can
cause
acute
kidney
failure.
Common FAQs
Q. Can acute kidney failure be cured?
A. Acute kidney failure can be reversible if it is diagnosed and treated early.
Q. What colour is urine when your kidneys are failing?
A. The urine colour may change which is a sign that your kidneys are failing-the urine is usually dark in colour.
Q. What foods help repair kidneys?
A. Bell peppers, garlic, onions, apples, cranberries and blueberries are some of the foods that can keep your kidneys healthy.
Q. How do I detox my kidneys?
A. Detox your kidneys by consuming lemon juice, watermelon, pomegranate, dates, basil and kidney beans.
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