Acute Renal Failure (ARF) - It's Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments

Acute renal failure means that both your kidneys stop working. Kidneys perform a very important function of discharging waste and maintain balance of water in the body. However, due to accumulation of waste in kidneys many problems may arise that can prove life threatening.

Acute means sudden and renal refers to kidney, thus renal failure refers to sudden failure in kidneys to perform their usual functions. ARF is the break down of kidney function when high levels of toxins accumulate in the blood and kidneys are unable to discharge them in the urine. ARF occurs when both kidneys are failing, as one kidney can perform the function of blood filtering and handling wastage.

Acute Renal Failure (ARF) Categories

Acute Renal Failure has been divided into 2 types according to their location in the renal system.

Prerenal Failure

It is characterized by its inadequate blood circulation to the kidneys which renders them incapable of purifying the blood.

Post Renal Failure

It is caused by an acute blockage that affects the normal flow of urine from both kidneys. The blockage leads to pressure building in renal enthrones the tubular units that produce urine. The excessive fluid pressure causes the neprons to shut down and leads to kidney failure.

Intrinsic Renal Failure

This type if renal failure results in damage or injury to both the kidneys. It is not caused by either prerenal or postrenal factors, though the factors leading to it are not clearly known.

Origins Of Acute Renal Failure

• Loss of blood due to injury or surgery
• Severe dehydration and vomiting
• Serious heard problems such as heart stroke, abnormal heart rhythm and blood pressure
• Disease that causes liver and kidney damage
• Use of medicines that cause kidney failure such as antibiotic
• Sudden blockage of kidneys such as gall stone or large prostate

Symptoms Of Acute Renal Failure

• Swelling of feet and legs
• Decreased urine output
• Thirst
• Rapid heart rate
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite and vomiting
• Pain in back, below the rib cage

Acute Renal Failure Diagnosis

• Medical history of the patient is collected to find out if this conditions result of family history.
• Blood and urine test are taken. Serum creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) are the two kinds of blood tests.
• Physical examination is also done such as chest radiotherapy.

Treatment Options For Acute Renal Failure

• Treatment of ARF depends upon the causes and may vary from person to person
• Replacing lost fluids in the body such as water and plasma
• Stopping the use of any medication that may lead to ARF
• Use of medicines such as cyclophosphamide
• Removal or bypass of any blockage in the urine tract to allow the normal flow.
• Continuous dialysis

All the treatment should be given after consulting a physician as use of medicines and other means can also lead to infections or complication. Proper diagnosis is very important for proper treatment.