What is Acute Kidney Failure?

Kidneys are bean-shaped organs that are around the size of a fist. They are situated under your ribcage, toward the back of your body. Most people have two functioning kidneys, but as long as one of them is functioning properly, they can live happily.

Acute kidney failure occurs when the kidneys’ ability to remove excess salts, fluids, and waste materials from the blood is suddenly lost. The major function of your kidneys is to eliminate waste. When the kidneys lose their filtering ability, body fluids can rise to dangerous levels. Electrolytes and waste material will build up in your body as a result of the disorder, which can be life-threatening.

Acute kidney failure in India is also known as acute renal failure or acute kidney damage. It’s prevalent in persons who have recently been admitted to the hospital. It may happen in a matter of hours. It can also take a few days to weeks to develop. Acute renal failure is most common in people who are very unwell and require intensive care.

Acute renal failure is potentially fatal and requires immediate medical attention. It may, however, be undone. If you’re in good health otherwise, recovery is possible.

What are the Symptoms of Acute Kidney Failure?

Many persons with kidney disease have little or no symptoms in the early stages. It’s crucial to remember that even if you feel fine, chronic kidney disease can still cause damage.

Many people have different symptoms as a result of chronic kidney disease and renal failure. You may notice one or more of the following symptoms if your kidneys are not performing properly:

• Stools with blood
• Breath Odour
• Sluggish, slow movements
• Fluid retention or widespread swelling
• Fatigue
• Pain between the ribs and the hips
• Tremor in hands
• Easily bruised
• Changes in mental health or mood, particularly in the older adults
• Reduced appetite
• Diminished sensation, particularly in the hands and feet
• Extended bleeding
• Seizures
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blood pressure problems
• A metallic taste in the mouth

What are the Causes of Acute Kidney Failure?

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of kidney failure. However, kidney failure might strike suddenly due to an unanticipated cause.

Acute kidney failure occurs when the kidneys lose function suddenly (within hours or days) (or acute kidney injury). Kidney failure of this type is usually only transient. Acute kidney failure in India can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Kidney autoimmune disorders
• Several drugs
• Severe Dehydration 
• A blockage in the urinary tract
• Heart and liver disease are examples of uncontrolled systemic diseases.

Kidney failure does not normally occur overnight. Chronic kidney disease is a set of diseases that alter the way your kidneys function over time. Chronic kidney disease can progress to kidney failure if left untreated. 

Chronic renal disease is the leading cause of kidney failure: 

• Diabetes: Unmanaged blood sugar levels can result from uncontrolled diabetes. Blood sugar levels that are consistently high can harm the body’s organs, especially the kidneys.
• High blood pressure: HBP (hypertension) is a condition in which blood flows more forcefully through your body’s blood vessels. Untreated high blood pressure can harm the tissue of the kidneys over time.

Chronic renal disease can also be caused by:

• Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary condition where cysts (fluid-filled sacs) grow inside your kidneys.
• Glomerular disorders limit the kidney’s ability to filter waste, such as glomerulonephritis.
• Lupus and other autoimmune diseases can have a wide range of effects on the body.

How is Acute Kidney Failure Diagnosed?

• Generalized swelling is a symptom of acute renal failure. Fluid retention causes swelling.
• Your doctor may detect crackling in your lungs using a stethoscope. Fluid retention could be indicated by these noises.

Laboratory test results may also reveal abnormal values that are different from the baseline. Some of these tests include:

• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• Serum potassium
• Serum sodium
• Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
• Urinalysis
• Creatinine clearance
• Serum creatinine

The best way to diagnose acute renal failure in India is via an ultrasound. However, an abdominal X-ray, CT scan, or MRI can all assist your doctor to figure out if you have a blockage in your urinary tract. A number of blood tests can indicate the causes of acute kidney failure.