Our kidneys are 2-bean shaped organs. They plan an important role in our bodies. They filter waste products from the blood. Acute renal failure happens when they become unable to do their function. Waste materials will gather in the blood. It will lead to an imbalance in body processes. Hence, it can affect different organs in the body. The acute type of kidney injury develops fast. However, it is common in people who have stayed in the hospital. It is likely to happen to ill people who need intensive care.
1. Symptoms
These are the acute renal failure symptoms to look for:
Less urine
Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet
One can suffer form difficulty breathing
Some experience lack of energy
Muscle Weakness
Bloody poop
2. Causes
Acute renal failure may happen because of these:
Slow blood flow to the kidneys. Hence, slow blood flow in the kidneys leads to its injury. It can be the result of various conditions. For instance, low blood pressure, blood loss, heart attack, and burns are some. Sometimes, the cause is taking in too much pain medicine.
Damage to kidneys. Likewise, it can be the result of various diseases and conditions.
Wastes buildup. Ureters connect to our kidneys. Also, they serve as the drainage tubes for waste materials. Blocked tubes will not allow wastes to leave the body.
3. Risk Factors
Anyone can get kidney illness. However, it is more common for those who are sick. People in the intensive care unit (ICU) are likely to get it. Some other factors that increase your risk are:
• Old age. Kidney injury is common among people age 65 and above.
• Presence of kidney problem
• High blood pressure
• Chronic disease
4. Problems
If left untreated, this kidney injury may lead to:
Permanent damage can result in loss of kidney function. Hence, dialysis can help in the process. Also, it is used to filter the harmful wastes in the body. Also, doctors may also operate to replace kidneys.
Chest pain. Kidney injury causes the lining of the heart to swell.
Fluid buildup. Fluid may fill the lungs. Therefore, it will result in difficulty in breathing.
Muscle weakness. Muscle weakness is the result of an imbalance in body fluid and blood.
5. Treatment
Once you these signs, call a doctor. This injury can cause death. Hence, it requires intensive treatment. But do not worry because it is treatable. Chances of recovery are high for those who are healthy.
Moreover, the treatment of this illness depends on its causes. Therefore, doctors may require a stay in the hospital. The stay will depend on the cause of kidney injury. It is until the kidneys can recover.
The doctor may include using artificial kidneys. Doctors will give medicines to help control the number of vitamins and minerals in the blood. Maintenance of the right amount of blood in the body is important. Kidney injury makes it hard to do so. However, medicines can help in the process.
Food Intake
Specialists will also limit the patient’s food intake. The body will have difficulty removing wastes. As a result, limits in food will lessen the buildup of harmful wastes. They will give a diet that is more on rice, bread, and pasta. Also, it is good to avoid food high in salt.
Dialysis
One may need dialysis. However, this is likely to be temporary. Doctors recommend it to patients who do not pee anymore. Those who have inflammation in the heart also need this. If the case is severe, a transplant is needed. Doctors will put a healthier kidney into the body. The healthier kidney will come from another person. Most come from people who agreed to donate it when they die. At the same time, some come from a living donor.
6. Prevention
The best acute renal failure treatment is prevention. Therefore, take care of your kidneys. Hence, it will lessen your risk of getting it. Go for a healthy lifestyle. Also, engage in exercise and eat healthy foods. Refrain from drinking alcohol too much.
Moreover, be careful of the medicines that you take in. Follow the instructions. Hence, some medicines can increase your risk if not taken properly. Additionally, consult with a doctor regularly. Chronic medical conditions can lead to kidney injury. Work with a specialist to treat or manage these.
