According to the MayoClinic.com, acute renal failure is the sudden loss of the kidneys' ability to perform its functions. Eliminating excess fluid and salts and removing the waste material from the bloodstream are the major functions of the kidney. In case of acute renal failure, the kidneys stop performing these functions and there is a buildup of excess fluids, salts and the waste material in the the body.
Acute Renal Failure Onset
According to MedlinePlus.com, acute renal failure tends to develop quite rapidly in a course of a few hours to a few days. Symptoms of this condition include decreased urine output, swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet, nausea, fatigue and shortness of breath. Acute renal failure can lead to further complications such as permanent kidney damage, high blood pressure and death.
Permanent Kidney Damage
Acute kidney failure can cause permanent kidney damage. According to MayoClinic.com, this is often called end-stage renal disease and this condition cannot be reversed. People with end-stage disease require a permanent dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis is an artificial process that performs the functions of the kidney. The process aims at removing the waste and excessive water from the blood. MayoClinic.com reports that kidney transplantation is the process of replacing the failed kidneys with a working one, and that it can only be obtained from another living person who works as a donor in such a case.
High Blood Pressure
According to MedlinePlus.com, high blood pressure is one of the complications of the acute renal failure. Since the waste accumulation in the blood stream is affected by acute renal failure, the pressure on the walls of the arteries can increase.
Death
According to MedlinePlus.com, death can result from acute renal failure. When acute renal failure occurs, the buildup of waste materials can be toxic to the body, which can lead to death due to the accumulation of excessive fluids and waste material. The MayoClinic.com reports that people with kidney related problems prior to experiencing kidney failure, are at a higher risk of dying than those who do not have a history of kidney-related problems.
