Kidney 101

Acute Renal Failure

Understanding Acute Renal Failure When Kidneys Stop Working Suddenly.

Our experienced team has successfully treated numerous patients through acute episodes into a confident and healthy lifestyle.

Action With a Sense of Urgency Paired With Readiness and Reliability Because Kidney Disease Doesn’t Wait.

Understanding Acute Renal Failure

Unlike chronic kidney disease, which develops slowly over time, acute renal failure strikes quickly and requires immediate medical attention. When your kidneys suddenly stop working, they can't remove waste products or balance the minerals in your blood, creating a potentially life-threatening situation.

Immediate Care You Need While Helping You Understand Your Treatment Options and Recovery Process.

Potential Causes

We understand that acute renal failure can be frightening, especially when it happens without warning. You might feel confused about what caused it or worried about what happens next. The encouraging news is that with prompt, appropriate treatment, many people recover significant kidney function after acute renal failure.

The rapid onset can affect anyone, regardless of their previous kidney health, though certain conditions and medications can increase the risk.

A steep and sudden drop in blood flow to your kidneys.

Sepsis (a serious infection) or heavy blood loss can reduce blood flow to the kidneys.  Dehydration, not enough fluid in your body, can also harm the kidneys.

Damage from some medicines, poisons, or infections.

People who have serious, long-term health problems are more likely than other people to have a kidney problem from medicines.  Medications that can harm the kidneys include:

  • Some antibiotics
  • Some pain medicines
  • Some blood pressure medicines
  • The dyes used in some X-ray tests
A sudden blockage.

A blockage can stop urine from flowing out of the kidneys. Kidney stones, a tumor, an injury, or an enlarged prostate gland can cause a blockage.

By recognizing the symptoms of CKD, you can prevent any further damage to your kidneys.

What You Should Know

Your doctor or kidney specialist will try to treat the problem that is the root cause of the failure.  Treatment can vary due to the different causes of the acute renal failure. The doctor may remove the blockage, stop the delivery of your medication, or restore blood flow to the kidneys depending on the cause.

Acute Renal Failure Chances

Acute renal failure changes are increased if:

  • You are an older adult
  • If you have long-term health problems such as diabetes
  • You are already very ill and are in the hospital or intensive care (ICU).
  • Invasive surgeries can put you at risk of acute renal failure

Acute Renal Failure Symptoms

Noteworthy symptoms to watch out for:

  • Little to no urine when you urinate
  • Swelling, especially in your legs and feet
  • Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting
  • Feeling confused, restless, or sleepy
  • Pain in the back just below the rib cage

Acute Renal Failure Treatment

Our care team will provide treatment to:

  • Stop wastes from building up in your body. Sometimes dialysis will be needed.  Utilizing a special machine, dialysis cleans and helps filter the blood until the kidneys recover.
  • Prevent other problems. Taking antibiotics or other medications to balance your body will help to prevent infections and other problems.

Your journey to better kidney health starts with understanding your options.

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Whether you're seeking a second opinion, need ongoing management for a diagnosed condition, or want to explore treatment possibilities, we're here to listen to your concerns and help you find the path forward that gives you the most confidence and peace of mind

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