Acute renal failure, which is also called acute kidney injury, is a serious issue where your kidneys suddenly can't filter waste from your blood properly. This can cause harmful substances to build up in your body, messing up its balance and causing big health problems.
In this article, we'll explore acute renal failure in-depth, covering its signs, what causes it, things that make it more likely to happen, problems it can cause, and steps you can take to prevent it.
Acute kidney injury often comes on quickly, usually over a few days. It's important to recognise the signs to act promptly. Common symptoms include:
Reduced urine output, although sometimes urine output stays normal.
Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet due to retaining fluids.
Feeling short of breath.
Tiredness.
Confusion.
Weakness.
Irregular heartbeat.
Chest pain or pressure.
Seizures or falling into a coma in severe cases.
It's essential to note that sometimes acute kidney injury might not show any noticeable symptoms and could only be detected through lab tests done for other reasons.
Acute kidney injury can stem from various factors, broadly grouped into three main causes:
Decreased Blood Flow to the Kidneys: Conditions that slow down blood flow to the kidneys can lead to acute kidney injury. These may include blood or fluid loss, heart-related issues like heart attack or heart disease, infections, liver failure, severe allergic reactions, burns, severe dehydration, and certain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
Direct Kidney Damage: Several diseases, conditions, and substances can directly harm the kidneys, resulting in acute renal failure. These include blood clots, cholesterol deposits, glomerulonephritis (kidney filter inflammation), hemolytic uremic syndrome, infections like COVID-19 and lupus, medications (e.g., chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics), scleroderma, toxins (e.g., alcohol, heavy metals, cocaine), muscle tissue breakdown, and tumour cell breakdown.
Urinary Tract Blockage: Conditions that obstruct the flow of urine out of the body can cause acute kidney injury. These include bladder, cervical, or prostate cancer, blood clots in the urinary tract, kidney stones, nerve damage affecting bladder control, and prostate enlargement.
Acute kidney injury frequently accompanies another medical issue or event. Risk factors include being hospitalised, older age, peripheral artery disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney or liver diseases, certain cancers, and their treatments.
Possible complications of acute renal failure include fluid accumulation in the lungs, chest pain from inflamed heart lining, muscle weakness, permanent kidney damage, and, in severe cases, death.
Although acute kidney failure can be difficult to predict or prevent entirely, certain steps can help reduce the risk:
Use Pain Medications Cautiously: Be mindful of labels when taking over-the-counter pain medications, and stick to recommended doses. Excessive use of medications like aspirin or ibuprofen can increase the risk of kidney injury, particularly for those with pre-existing kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
Manage Chronic Conditions: Work closely with healthcare providers to effectively manage kidney and other chronic conditions. Adhering to treatment plans and following medical advice is crucial for individuals with conditions that predispose them to acute kidney failure.
Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle: Prioritise a healthy lifestyle to lower the risk of acute renal failure. This includes staying physically active, maintaining a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol intake, if applicable.
In conclusion, acute kidney injury requires immediate medical attention due to its potential for severe complications, including fatalities. A comprehensive understanding of its causes, symptoms, and preventive strategies is vital for protecting kidney health and overall wellness.
By taking proactive measures and seeking prompt medical care, individuals can reduce the risks linked with acute kidney injury and support optimal renal function.