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- Acute Kidney Failure: Symptoms, Cause, Prevention, Treatment &...
Why choose us?
At the Department of Nephrology & Dialysis, we provide customised care plans to support your renal health and restore maximum function. The department works in close liaison with 24/7 emergency and critical care services to offer intensive care in cases of acute kidney failure. Our nephrologists and interventionists offer speedy stabilisation and treatment for long-lasting effects.
Our nephrology specialists
Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs responsible for filtering out toxins and waste from your blood. When kidneys lose their function and ability to filter these toxins, they may collect inside the body. Kidneys can sometimes lose their function suddenly. This condition is known as acute kidney failure.
Acute kidney failure is also known as acute renal injury. This condition happens within a few days and patients often require intensive support for stabilisation.
- Decreased urine flow and output
- Breathlessness
- Fluid retention in the body leading to swelling in the legs, ankles and feet
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Pain and pressure in the chest
- Seizures or coma in severe cases
The following reasons lead to the sudden loss of kidney function:
Impaired blood flow to kidneys: Certain medical conditions can disrupt your flow of blood to the kidneys leading to their failure. These conditions include loss of blood, cardiac arrest, cardiovascular diseases, liver failure, severe burns and dehydration.
Direct damage or injury to kidneys: A sudden blow, trauma or damage to kidneys can lead to kidney failure. Such damage can be caused by blood clots in the veins and arteries of the kidney, accumulation of cholesterol in the kidneys, inflammation of the kidney filters, lupus and breakdown of tumour cells.
Blockage of ureters: Urinary blockages can resist the flow of urine from out of your body. Several conditions can cause a urinary blockage that can further translate to kidney failure. These include bladder cancer, cervical cancer, blood clots in the urinary tract, prostate enlargement, kidney stones and prostate cancer.
Acute kidney failure can occur in any individual who may experience the above-given causes. However, the risk factors for certain individuals are greater than others. Common risk factors include:
- Hospitalisation
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Advanced age
- Peripheral artery diseases
- Heart failure
- Kidney diseases
- Liver diseases
- Certain cancers and their treatments
Patients suffering from acute kidney failure often arrive at the emergency and intensive care unit due to the symptoms. Certain diagnostic procedures are, however, to confirm the condition. These diagnostic tests include urine tests, blood tests, imaging tests and kidney biopsy.
Intensive emergency care is offered to patients with acute kidney failure. Your healthcare provider will first aim to stabilise your condition.
The treatment protocol depends upon the cause of kidney failure. If your condition is caused by underlying conditions that disrupt the blood to your kidneys, your doctor will help improve the flow of blood to the kidneys and remove obstructions.
Patient testimonials
FAQs
If left unattended, acute kidney failure can lead to fluid buildup in the body and permanent kidney damage.
It can be difficult to predict and prevent acute kidney failure due to its sudden onset. You should discuss your risk factors with your healthcare provider.
Your doctor would recommend you to eat foods that have fewer potassium quantities, avoid salt and sodium-rich foods and also limit phosphorus.
