Your kidneys, shaped like beans, play a crucial role in filtering toxins and waste from your bloodstream. When they lose their ability to perform this function, harmful substances can accumulate in your body. This sudden loss of kidney function is known as acute kidney failure.
Also referred to as acute renal injury, this condition can develop rapidly over a few days, often requiring intensive medical support for stabilization.
Symptoms of Acute Kidney Failure
- Reduced urine output
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet due to fluid retention
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain and pressure
- Severe cases may result in seizures or coma
Causes of Acute Kidney Failure
Acute kidney failure can occur due to several factors, including:
- Impaired Blood Flow to the Kidneys: Medical conditions such as significant blood loss, cardiac arrest, cardiovascular diseases, liver failure, severe burns, and dehydration can disrupt blood flow, leading to kidney failure.
- Direct Damage to the Kidneys: Trauma or injury can directly harm the kidneys. Causes of such damage may include blood clots in the kidney’s blood vessels, cholesterol buildup, inflammation of kidney filters, lupus, and tumor cell breakdown.
- Blockage of the Ureters: Urinary blockages can obstruct urine flow, resulting in kidney failure. Conditions like bladder cancer, cervical cancer, blood clots in the urinary tract, prostate enlargement, kidney stones, and prostate cancer can lead to these blockages.
While anyone can experience acute kidney failure due to these causes, certain individuals may have a higher risk. Common risk factors include:
- Hospitalization
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Older age
- Peripheral artery diseases
- Heart failure
- Existing kidney or liver diseases
- Certain cancers and their treatments
Diagnosis of Acute Kidney Failure Patients with acute kidney failure typically seek emergency or intensive care due to their symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis, several tests may be conducted, including urine tests, blood tests, imaging studies, and kidney biopsies.
Management of Acute Kidney Failure Patients diagnosed with acute kidney failure receive comprehensive emergency care. The initial focus is on stabilizing the patient’s condition.
Treatment varies based on the underlying cause of the kidney failure. If blood flow issues are identified, healthcare providers will work to enhance circulation to the kidneys and address any obstructions.
Why Choose Yupiter Hospital?
- State-of-the-art dialysis unit
- Affordable treatment options
- Customized treatment protocols for optimal results
- Advanced surgical techniques for swift recovery
- Expertise in specialized renal care
At the Department of Nephrology & Dialysis, we offer tailored care plans designed to enhance your renal health and restore kidney function. Our team collaborates closely with 24/7 emergency and critical care services to provide intensive support for acute kidney failure. Our nephrologists and interventionists are dedicated to delivering prompt stabilization and effective long-term treatment solutions.
