A situation in which the kidneys do not function properly.
The inability of the kidneys to perform their normal function of filtering waste products from the blood. Kidney failure may be caused by infection, injury, exposure to toxins, kidney disease, and other diseases such as diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, or sickle cell anemia. Structural disorders obstructing the flow of urine from the kidneys may be associated with kidney failure.
Renal insufficiency denotes the incapability of the kidneys to effectively eliminate noxious compounds from the body.
A decline in kidney function leading to kidney failure results in the accumulation of waste substances like urea and surplus fluid within the body. This condition also gives rise to various chemical imbalances within the bloodstream and bodily tissues.
Kidney failure can manifest as either acute or chronic. In cases of acute kidney failure, kidney function frequently restores to its regular state once the root cause is identified and addressed. Conversely, chronic kidney failure involves gradual deterioration of kidney tissue across several months or years. This situation can escalate into end-stage kidney failure, a perilous state wherein kidney function is typically irreversibly compromised.
Triggers for acute kidney failure encompass a significant decrease in blood circulation to the kidneys, as witnessed in cases of shock; a blockage hindering urine flow, like that resulting from a bladder tumor; or specific swiftly progressing kidney disorders, such as glomerulonephritis.
Chronic kidney failure may arise due to a disease that gradually impairs kidney function, such as polycystic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension (high blood pressure), or can stem from persistent blockage of urine flow.
The primary indication of acute kidney failure is oliguria, characterized by a diminished urine volume. Accumulation of urea and other waste substances in the bloodstream and tissues leads to sensations of drowsiness, nausea, and breathlessness.
Signs of chronic kidney failure progress gradually and might encompass symptoms like nausea, diminished appetite, and weakness. The kidney impairment gives rise to conditions such as anemia and hyperparathyroidism.
An individual with suspected kidney failure will initially undergo blood and urine examinations. Additional assessments, including kidney biopsy (analysis of a tissue sample) and intravenous urography (X-rays of the urinary tract), might be conducted to determine the underlying cause of kidney failure if it is not readily apparent.
When acute kidney failure stems from an abrupt decline in blood flow, blood volume and pressure can be restored to normal through intravenous infusion of saline or blood transfusion. Surgical intervention might be necessary in cases involving urinary tract obstruction. Acute kidney disease can be addressed using corticosteroid medications. The treatment plan might also incorporate diuretic drugs and temporary dialysis, which involves the artificial purification of the blood.
In managing both acute and chronic kidney failure, adhering to a diet that is high in carbohydrates and low in protein, while regulating fluid and salt consumption, proves essential. This approach minimizes the strain on the kidneys.
In cases of end-stage kidney failure, the sole viable treatment options are either long-term dialysis or a kidney transplant.