ABOUT THE DISEASE

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that are located at the back, on either side of spine, just underneath the rib cage. They are about as big as a fist and are responsible for making urine by filtering wastes and extra water out of the body. The kidneys also produce certain necessary hormones (erythropoietin, renin, and calcitriol) and help in regulating blood pressure by producing life-sustaining chemicals.

Acute kidney failure is the rapid loss of ability of the kidney (as fast as one or two days) to flush out waste and balance electrolytes in the body.

SYMPTOMS

• • Edema / Swelling resulting from salt and water overload.
• • High blood pressure.
• • Vomiting.
• • Tiredness / lethargy caused by the toxic effects of waste products on brain function.
• • Nausea
• • Decreased urine output.

CAUSES

Some of the possible reasons are:
- Acute tubular necrosis
- Autoimmune kidney disease
- Very low blood pressure, may be due to-Septic Shock, Surgery, Haemorrhage, Burns, Dehydration, Injury
- Urinary tract blockage, due to enlarged prostate or kidney stones or bladder tumors.
- Infections such as Septicemia or Acute pyelonephritis

DIAGNOSIS

- Physical examination
- Serum creatinine / potassium levels
- BUN
- Urine analysis
- Abdominal ultrasound
- X-ray, CT scan, MRI of the abdomen

TREATMENT METHODS

The treatment is based on the cause identified and shall include a high carbohydrate and low protein and salt diet along with restricted fluid intake and Diuretics to help remove fluid from body.

In some cases a dialysis might also be required.

You may also like to learn about:

Renal failure chronic
Polycystic kidney
Septicemia
Pyelonephritis
Renal tumor
Burns