What Is Acute Renal Failure?

Acute renal failure is when the kidneys suddenly stop working. Kidneys are the main mechanism for carrying waste and trash out of the bloodstream. When the kidneys stop working, all the waste backs up into the body and causes illness.

Causes

• Some of the causes of acute renal failure are trauma, illnesses, surgery, underlying renal disease, medications and blockages.

Symptoms

• Symptoms include decreased urinary output, swelling in the legs and feet, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, altered mental status, back pain below the ribs. Symptoms are not always present.

How Diagnosed

• Blood work that measures the creatinine and urea in the blood are used to diagnose acute renal failure.

Treatment

• Treatment depends on the cause of the failure. Replacing the fluids and electrolytes is the best way to restore blood flow to the kidneys.

Risk Factors

• Older adults, people with diabetes, congestive heart failure, hypertension and obesity, and people who are very ill in the hospital seem to be at a greater risk for acute renal failure.

Prevention/Solution

• Preventing or keeping hypertension and diabetes under control are the keys to preventing renal failure.