Kidney failure occurs when your kidneys are unable to cleanse your blood of minerals, wastes and extra fluid, according to MedlinePlus. Your kidneys can sometimes become damaged if you do not drink enough fluids. And medications, alcohol and illicit drugs can sometimes cause kidney failure. Kidney failure is classified as being acute, chronic or end-stage.
Acute Kidney Failure
Acute kidney failure refers to a potentially reversible condition in which your kidneys no longer filter waste, fluids and electrolytes, according to the Mayo Clinic. Three conditions lead to acute renal failure: prerenal, renal and postrenal conditions. Prerenal conditions refer to kidney blood flow disruption that occurs when your blood pressure is low or when you are very dehydrated. Renal conditions result when your kidneys are damaged, which occurs when you suffer from kidney inflammation and have cholesterol buildup in your kidneys' blood vessels. Postrenal conditions result when you have problems excreting your urine. This condition happens when kidney stones block your ureter (tube that leads to urine excretion) and when you suffer from urinary retention, a condition in which your bladder muscles don't contract.
The Mayo Clinic says that acute kidney failure's manifestations include decreased urine output, leg swelling, shortness of breath, confusion, coma and seizures. Treatment involves managing the cause of your symptoms. Calcium, glucose and sodium polystyrene sulfonate can lower your potassium levels, which can accumulate when you do not urinate. High potassium levels can lead to abnormal heartbeats. Sometimes, temporary dialysis is necessary to rapidly cleanse your blood. Dialysis is an artificial means to clean your blood.
Chronic Kidney Failure
Chronic kidney failure is more severe than acute kidney failure. The Mayo Clinic says that chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney diseases and toxins such as lead or carbon tetrachloride can lead to chronic kidney failure.
Its symptoms include high blood pressure, decreased urination, dark-colored urine, continuous itching, anemia and sudden weight changes. The Mayo Clinic says that chronic kidney failure can also cause mid- to lower back pain, weakness, fatigue, and swelling of the feet and ankles.
As in acute kidney failure, treatment involves managing the cause of the failure. You should also restrict the quantity of protein you eat as this can exacerbate chronic kidney disease. Erythropoietin injections may be necessary to treat anemia of chronic kidney disease. These injections will help stimulate your bone marrow to make new red blood cells.
End-Stage Kidney Disease
End-stage kidney disease refers to complete or almost complete kidney damage. When your kidney function is less than 10 percent, your kidney disease is classified as end-stage, according to MedlinePlus. In fact, chronic kidney failure progresses to end-stage renal failure if left untreated.
MedlinePlus indicates that manifestations of end-stage renal disease include headaches, weight loss, a poor appetite, nausea, dry or itchy skin, and fatigue. End-stage renal disease can also cause bone pain, impotence, vomiting, and swelling of your arms or legs. Dialysis and eventually a kidney transplant are necessary for survival. Limiting fluids, salt, potassium and protein can help manage end-stage kidney failure.
