Several Symptoms of Acute Renal Failure

Overview of Acure Renal Failure

The main function of the kidneys is to filter impure blood and excrete these impurities or toxins, together with excess water, out of the body in the form of urine. It is regarded as one of the most vital organs in the body. Other functions of the kidneys include hormone production and electrolytes regulation.

Renal failure, also referred to as kidney failure, is a condition where the kidneys malfunction or does not work properly as designed, thus toxins accumulate in the system. Several causes can render the kidneys to stop functioning propertly, thus leading to the manifestation of acute renal failure symptoms.

Acute renal failure is a type of kidney disorder that occurs suddenly, usually in a span of days or weeks, and is often a treatable condition. Reasons for its occurrence include immune diseases, insufficient blood supply to the kidney, obstruction, drug or toxic overdose, and prolong dehydration, among many others. Acute renal failure symptoms are very mild and cannot be easily noticed. Thus, if this remains undetected, acute renal failure can cause severe complications like nervous system problems, long term kidney disorder or chronic renal failure and hypertension. Symptoms of acute renal failure includes: general malaise, altered urine production, nausea and vomiting, swelling of the extremities and flank pains.

General Malaise

Malaise is a feeling of great uneasiness or discomfort that usually indicates a start of an illness. This overwhelming sense of malaise is frequently the earliest symptom of ARF. Individuals at this time may experience weakness, swelling, lethargy and shortness of breath. If undetected and untreated at this stage, it can turn into a fatal condition. Its progression also signifies worsening feeling of general malaise due to insufficient amount of oxygen in the cells and blood. Over fatigue and loss of appetite will also be experienced.

Altered Urine Production

Deficient kidney function often leads to either insufficient production of urine. Inadequate urine production freqeutnly leads to the build up of toxic substances in the blood that can affect vital body organs including the heart and the brain. This causes urine’s color to darken. Urine may also contain blood in some cases. If urine production totally stops toxins will rapidly accumulate inside the body.

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are also seen in acute renal failure. Vomiting is one possible way for the body to eliminate toxins or wastes that accumulate in the blood. Vomiting can lead to dehydration which in turn can cause further damage to the kidneys. It could also result to potassium deficiency which may affect the rhythm of the heart.

Flank Pain

Acute renal failure patients also complain of experiencing pain on the back, corresponding to where the kidneys are situated anatomically.

Swelling of the Extremities

Some patients also develop edema or swelling of the feet and hands due to the accumulation of fluid in the body and the kidneys’ inability to excrete sodium.

References

Buzzle.com: Kidney Failure Symptoms

eMedicine: Acute Renal Failure