Acute Renal Failure: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Definition

What is acute kidney failure?

Acute renal failure (ARF) is a condition when the kidneys are unable to get rid of toxic substances and excess fluid and balance water and electrolytes optimally. Generally, the kidneys get rid of waste in the body by producing urine.

Meanwhile, a problematic kidney actually causes a buildup of waste and fluid because it can’t be secreted properly. Acute kidney disease can appear suddenly and progress quickly. If not treated promptly, acute kidney failure can be fatal.

How common is acute kidney disease?

Approximately 1% of patients with acute kidney disease are hospitalized. However, it is estimated that 2-5% of patients will need to be hospitalized. In addition, this disease also often occurs in patients who undergo treatment in the hospital, especially intensive care and the elderly.

Therefore, this disease needs to be consulted with a doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of acute kidney failure?

Most patients with mild to moderate acute kidney injury do not have any symptoms. This is what makes kidney disease need to be confirmed by examining kidney function and abnormalities.

If the level of kidney damage is very severe, there are several symptoms that may occur. Reporting from the National Kidney Foundation, signs and symptoms of acute kidney disease will vary from person to person, depending on the cause.

Feel sluggish and easily sleepy.
Nausea and vomiting.
Swelling of the arms and legs.
Less frequent urination.
Fever.
Chest pain and shortness of breath.
Bad breath and mouth feels metallic.
Mood deteriorates, especially in the elderly.
Back pain.
High blood pressure.
Anemia due to reduced red blood cell production.

If there are other symptoms that are not mentioned above, you should consult a doctor. The reason is, acute kidney injury can worsen quickly even without any symptoms.

When should I see a doctor?

If you experience one or more of the symptoms above, see your doctor immediately. Everyone may have different conditions and medical history, so it is necessary to discuss with a doctor to get the right treatment.

Cause

What causes acute kidney failure?

The causes of acute kidney injury can be divided into three categories, namely prerenal (decreased urine volume), intrinsic (processing problems in the kidney), and postrenal. This type of kidney failure also often occurs due to slow blood flow to the kidneys.

This results in a buildup of toxins and waste in the body. Here are some causes of acute kidney disease that you need to be aware of.

1. Decreased blood flow

There are several diseases and medical conditions that cause blood flow to the kidneys to slow down causing acute kidney injury, namely:

Low blood pressure (hypotension).
Blood or fluid loss as a result of bleeding or severe diarrhea.
Decreased heart function due to heart attack or other heart disease.
Failure of organs, such as the heart and liver.
Overuse of painkillers (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen.
Experiencing a severe allergic reaction.
Have had an accident that caused injury.
Had major surgery.

2. Direct damage to the kidneys

Direct damage to the kidneys does not occur without cause. There are several diseases and medical conditions that can cause damage to the kidneys and lead to acute kidney failure, such as:

Severe life-threatening infections, such as sepsis.
Suffering from a type of cancer called multiple myeloma.
The presence of inflammation and scar tissue in the blood vessels (vasculitis).
Allergic reaction to certain drugs.
Diseases affecting the connective tissue that supports internal organs (scleroderma).
Inflammation or damage to the renal tubules, such as glomerulonephritis.

3. Blocked urinary tract

For people who experience blockage of the urinary tract, it can also cause acute kidney injury. Some of the causes of blocked urinary tract that lead to acute kidney failure are:

Bladder, prostate, or cervical cancer.
Enlarged prostate.
Nervous system disorders affecting the bladder and urine.
Kidney stones.
The presence of blood clots in the urinary tract.

Apart from the aforementioned diseases and medical problems, the contracted fluid used in X-rays or CT-scans can also cause acute kidney disease.

Risk factors

What increases the risk of acute kidney failure?

A person is more likely to develop acute kidney failure when you are older or have medical conditions:

history of kidney disease,
high blood pressure (hypertension),
diabetes,
obesity,
autoimmune disease,
hospitalized, especially when undergoing intensive care, as well
blockage of blood vessels in the arms and legs (peripheral arterial).

Limiting the risk factors will help reduce the risk of acute kidney disease. If you have any of the factors above, ask your doctor for instructions to prevent acute kidney failure.

Diagnosis

What are the tests to find out this disease?

Everyone who is suspected of having acute kidney failure will undergo different kidney tests depending on the cause. The sooner acute kidney disease is diagnosed, the better your chances of a cure.

If acute kidney injury is not treated promptly, it can progress to chronic kidney disease leading to heart disease and death.

The following other tests are needed to diagnose acute kidney failure.

Examination of urine volume and content.
Urinalysis.
Blood tests to test the levels of creatinine, blood urea, and potassium in the blood.
GFR to see the function of the glomerular filtration rate, is it working properly or not.
Ultrasound and CT-scans to make it easier for doctors to see the condition and shape of the kidneys.
Kidney biopsy by removing kidney tissue with a special needle.

Drugs & Medicines

What are the treatment options for acute kidney failure?

Those of you who experience acute kidney failure certainly need supervised care by a doctor. Treatment of this disease also depends on the cause and most cases require hospitalization, including:

1. Balance the amount of fluid in the blood

If acute kidney failure is caused by a lack of fluid in the blood, the doctor will recommend receiving intravenous fluids (IV). On the other hand, when acute kidney disease is caused by a buildup of excess fluid, the doctor will recommend a diuretic drug that removes extra fluid.

2. Controlling blood potassium

Damage to the kidneys prevents this bean-shaped organ from properly filtering potassium from the blood. Therefore, the doctor may give calcium, glucose, or sodium polysterine sulfonate drugs to control potassium in the blood.

3. Restores calcium levels in the blood

Acute kidney failure can lower the level of calcium in the blood, so you may need an IV or medication to restore calcium in the blood.

4. Dialysis to remove toxins from the blood

The buildup of toxins in the blood sometimes makes you need dialysis (dialysis) for a while. This treatment aims to remove toxins and excess fluid from the body so that acute kidney failure can be cured.

5. Follow a certain diet

Apart from giving certain drugs, patients with acute kidney failure will also be advised to undergo certain diets. This aims to reduce the buildup of toxins. This kidney failure specific diet includes:

a diet high in carbohydrates and low in protein,
limiting consumption of salt and sodium as well as potassium, as well
recommendations for taking calcium supplements.

Home remedies

What home remedies can be used to treat acute kidney failure?

Acute renal failure treatment will not be successful if it is not accompanied by changes in lifestyle to be healthier. Here are some tips for living with acute kidney disease and some home remedies that may help you.

Stick to a low protein diet to prevent complications.
Using drugs according to doctor’s instructions.
Routine weighing.
Record the amount of water drunk and the frequency of urine each day.
Talk to your doctor if you are infected with toxic chemicals or other drugs.
Limiting the amount of fluid so that fluid doesn’t accumulate in the body.
Consult with a doctor regarding the use of drugs, including herbal medicines.
Avoid activities or things that can damage the kidneys more severely.

If acute kidney failure is treated successfully, you may not need to go on a special diet. However, don’t leave a healthy lifestyle and maintain a nutritional balance.

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