You might know that your kidneys play an important role in filtering waste fluids from blood, keeping them healthy. Certain diseases affect the efficiency of your kidneys' ability to perform various functions.

One such disease is Acute Kidney Failure or Acute Renal Failure . Want to know how Acute Kidney Failure works and how you can treat it and improve your kidney health?

Mykare Health will help you understand all about it. Let’s dive into it.

Kidney and its Functions - An Overview

Here’s a quick recap on kidneys and their functions.

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs on either side of your spine that are situated right below the rib cage. Each kidney is around the size of a fist.

Every minute, they filter about a half cup of blood, eliminating wastes and surplus water through urine.

In addition, kidneys eliminate acid generated by body cells and keep the proper ratios of water, salts, and minerals in the blood. Your body's muscles, nerves, and other tissues might not function properly without this balance.

Also, red blood cell production, bone health, and blood pressure regulation are all aided by hormones produced by the kidneys.

Acute Kidney Failure

Acute kidney failure refers to an abrupt bout of kidney injury or failure that occurs in a matter of hours or days

When does it happen? When waste products accumulate in your blood and your kidneys find it difficult to maintain the proper fluid balance in your body

This occurs when your kidneys abruptly lose their ability to filter waste items from your blood.

Following are some of the possible signs of acute kidney failure

• Reduced urine production

• Fluid retention

• Dyspnea

• Exhaustion

• Disorientation

• Nausea

• Weakness

• Irregular heartbeat

• Chest pain or pressure

• Seizures

• Coma (in more extreme situations)

The majority of cases of acute renal failure occur in patients who are already in the hospital, especially in those who are very sick and require intensive care.

Causes of acute kidney failure

There are several causes of acute renal failurhe following are a few typical causes of acute renal failure that you must be awe. Tare of.

• Pre-renal causes: When the blood supply to the kidneys is blocked. This can be caused by extreme blood loss, heart disease, liver failure, or some drugs like aspirin and ibuprofe.

• Renal reasons include blood clot formation that damages the kidney, kidney infections, medications such as Antibiotics and Chemotherapy, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney filters), Vasculitis or inflammation of blood vessels.

• Post-renal causes: Urinary obstruction brought on by conditions such blood clots, colon, prostate, and cervical cancer that hinder the flow of urine.

The risk factors for acute kidney failure include

• Age

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Block in the blood vessels in the arm or legs

• Kidney disease, and Liver diseases

Treatment of kidney failure

Dialysis or a Kidney Transplant are two possible treatments for kidney failure

Dialysis is a process that helps the kidneys remove various toxins and balance electrolytes.

In kidney transplant, a healthy kidney is transplanted into a person whose kidneys are failing.

Following are some of the methods you can follow for your kidney health

• Control your blood pressure and blood sugar

• Maintain a nutritious diet

• Engage in regular exercise

• Low-potassium meals including apples, cabbage, carrots, and green beans should be consumed

• Include low-protein foods such as fruits, vegetables, bread, and cereals in your diet

• Foods strong in potassium, like bananas, potatoes, spinach, and oranges should be avoided

• Foods high in protein, like lean meat, eggs, milk, cheese, and beans, should be avoided

• Avoid foods high in phosphorus, like cheese, ice cream, and chocolate

Get medical help right away if you think you or someone you know has an Acute Kidney Injury.

Hospitalisation is necessary for AKI treatment until recovery.

Treatment for the underlying illness that is causing Renal failure plays a major role in treating acute kidney failure.