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Understanding Acute Kidney Failure: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Acute kidney failure is a serious condition that occurs when your kidneys suddenly stop working properly. Also known as acute renal failure, this condition can develop within a few hours or days. The good news is that with prompt treatment and the absence of other severe health issues, your kidneys may recover and resume normal function.
The Role of Your Kidneys
Your kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining your overall health by performing the following functions:
Filtering waste from your blood
Removing excess fluid (which becomes urine)
Regulating blood pressure
Producing red blood cells
Regulating electrolytes
Activating vitamin D
Acute Kidney Failure vs. Chronic Kidney Disease
While acute kidney failure occurs suddenly, chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops gradually over a longer period. The most common causes of CKD are long-term conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Symptoms may not appear until kidney function is severely impaired, and the condition can be permanent.
Stages of Acute Kidney Failure
The stages of kidney disease are determined by your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which measures your kidney's filtering ability. The stages range from 1 to 5, with stage 1 being the mildest and stage 5 indicating complete kidney failure.
Symptoms of Acute Kidney Failure
Symptoms of acute kidney failure may include:
Decreased urine output
Swelling in legs, ankles, and feet
Fatigue and drowsiness
Shortness of breath
Itching and joint pain
Loss of appetite and nausea
Confusion and seizures (in severe cases)
Causes and Risk Factors
Acute kidney failure can be caused by factors that affect blood flow to the kidneys, block urine from leaving the kidneys, or directly damage the kidneys. Risk factors include prolonged hospitalization, diabetes, older age, heart disease, and chronic kidney or liver disease.
Diagnosing Acute Kidney Failure
To diagnose acute kidney failure, your doctor will perform a physical exam and order blood and urine tests. In some cases, a kidney biopsy or imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be necessary.
Treatment Options
Treatment for acute kidney failure often requires hospitalization and may involve:
Dietary changes to limit salt and potassium intake
Medications to regulate phosphorus and potassium levels
Dialysis to filter blood if kidney damage is severe
Certain foods, such as pomegranates, berries, whole grains, and leafy greens, may help support kidney health during recovery.
Preventing Acute Kidney Failure
To reduce your risk of acute kidney failure:
Use over-the-counter pain medications cautiously
Follow your doctor's advice for managing preexisting conditions
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet
If you experience symptoms of acute kidney failure, seek medical attention immediately. With prompt treatment, your kidneys may recover, and you can prevent long-term complications.
For more information on acute kidney failure and kidney health, visit:
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