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Written by Robert A Wilson
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Sunday, 11 February 2007 |
Acute renal failure describes a sudden failure of normal kidney function. Common causes include loss or decrease in normal blood flow to the kidneys; obstruction of urine flow; or damage to the kidneys from injury, inflammation or medications. You are more likely to develop acute renal failure if you have only one kidney, have had recent surgery, are severely injured, or have certain medical conditions such as hypertension or diabetes.
Symptoms may include:
Early stages
- Little or no urine output
Late stages
- Nausea, with or without, vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased or lost appetite
- Irritability
- Diminished level of consciousness or even a coma
- Seizures
- Itching
- High or low blood pressure
- Easy bruising or bleeding
What your doctor can do:
- Diagnose your condition by asking about your symptoms, doing a physical exam, and ordering laboratory tests.
- Order urinalysis and blood tests to check kidney function.
- Obtain x-rays or ultrasound imaging of the kidneys.
- Arrange for a kidney biopsy (removal and microscopic study of a small amount of tissue)
- Treatment depends on the underlying cause
- Hospitalization is often necessary.
- You may require surgery or dialysis (substitutes for kidneys).
- You may be prescribed medications to fight infection or inflammation.
What you can do:
- Rest as much as possible and limit fluid intake as instructed by your doctor.
- Follow up with your doctor as directed.
- For more information, contact the National Kidney Foundation @ 1-800-622-9010.
Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of renal failure, or develop
chills, fever, vomiting, muscle aches, or difficulty breathing during
treatment.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 08 February 2008 )
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