How to Manage Acute Renal Failure

Acute renal failure happens suddenly, and if not treated, this condition is potentially life-threatening. People who deal with acute renal failure lose the ability to eliminate waste, toxins or water from their body. Symptoms can include decreased appetite, flank pain, high blood pressure, swelling and bloody stools. While serious, acute renal failure is manageable and treatable. Normal kidney function can return within weeks or months.

Instructions

• 1

  Control potassium levels. Take medications prescribed by your doctor to stop the accumulation of excess potassium in your blood. Reduce potassium intake with low-potassium foods such as cabbage, strawberries and green beans. A doctor may order a diuretic to flush excess fluids from the kidneys.

• 2

  Reduce sodium intake to manage acute renal failure. Watch food labels and avoid foods with a high sodium intake, such as processed foods and fast foods. Choose salt-substitute seasonings. The Mayo Clinic recommends no more than 1,500 to 2,300 mg of sodium per day. Talk to your doctor for information on daily sodium intake to manage acute rental failure.

• 3

  Talk to your doctor about over-the-counter medications. Certain drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin can increase the risk of renal failure. Consult with a doctor before taking these drugs if you have kidney disease, and always take medications as instructed to avoid renal problems.

• 4

  Reduce consumption of liquids. Your doctor may limit your consumption of drinks and other liquids such as soup, to avoid stressing your kidneys.

• 5

  Take antibiotics as instructed. If an infection triggers acute renal failure, follow your doctor's instruction and take the full course of antibiotics prescribed to treat the infection.

• 6

  Treat acute renal failure with temporary dialysis. Dialysis can help remove toxins trapped in the kidneys, eliminate fluid retention and built-up potassium in the body.