Acute kidney failure can occur unexpectedly, with the kidneys losing function rapidly, causing the body to lose balance and affecting the excretion of waste from the body, which can be dangerous if not treated promptly. This is especially true for athletes or people who exercise and lose a lot of water or suffer from dehydration due to heatstroke. Those who lose weight too quickly are also at risk of acute kidney failure without warning, which requires immediate treatment before it’s too late.
What is Acute Kidney Failure?
Acute Kidney Failure (Acute Kidney Injury) is a condition where the kidneys lose their function suddenly, both in filtering waste in the body and excreting waste out of the body. This results in the body losing balance of water, electrolytes, and minerals and leads to various complications such as waste accumulation due to the kidneys not excreting urine. Immediate treatment is necessary before it becomes life-threatening. The duration of acute kidney failure occurs in a matter of hours, days, or weeks, but the kidneys must be restored to normal as quickly as possible.
What causes Acute Kidney Failure?
Acute kidney failure can occur due to various causes including:
- Fluid loss leading to dehydration such as severe diarrhea, excessive sweating, heatstroke, vomiting blood, significant blood loss in an accident, and various health issues
- Infections both within the body and in the bloodstream can lead to shock
- Medications affecting the kidneys that can cause acute kidney failure such as painkillers in the NSAIDs category, muscle relaxants, and herbal medicines
- Urinary tract obstruction causing inability to urinate and possible acute kidney failure, such as stones, enlarged prostate, certain cancers
- Other causes such as high or low blood pressure, diabetes affecting the kidneys, liver disease, gout
Why does severe dehydration cause Acute Kidney Failure?
When the body is dehydrated for a prolonged period, it can enter a state of dehydration (Dehydration) or heatstroke from continuous sweating or inadequate fluid replenishment. Athletes, those who exercise intensely, and elderly individuals with health problems are at risk of acute kidney failure because:
- Thickened blood affects circulation and makes the kidneys work harder
- Loss of sodium and potassium
- Electrolyte imbalance in the body (Electrolyte Imbalance)
- Muscle breakdown (Rhabdomyolysis) from exposure to intense sunlight and exertion, causing muscle waste to clog kidney tubules, triggering muscle breakdown and potentially leading to acute kidney failure
- Dehydration in the elderly from insufficient water intake, excessive urination, loss of fluids from illnesses such as food poisoning causing vomiting and diarrhea, loss of fluids through skin wounds such as burns, excessive sweating due to fever or prolonged exercise
Why can rapid weight loss lead to Acute Kidney Failure?
Rapid weight loss can lead to acute kidney failure due to severe dehydration and electrolyte loss, resulting in insufficient blood flow to the kidneys, preventing them from functioning normally. People who lose weight might drink little or no water, and some may take diuretics to lose weight quickly, leading to frequent urination and dehydration. This can cause acute kidney failure, especially in those who diet excessively for rapid weight loss. The best weight loss method is gradual and proper, as it prevents imbalance in the body, maintains stable long-term weight, and avoids various health problems, including the unexpectedly severe acute kidney failure.
What are the symptoms of Acute Kidney Failure?
Symptoms of acute kidney failure vary and should be self-monitored including:
- Water retention, swelling of the arms, legs, face, and eyes
- Night cramps disrupting sleep
- Urinating less than 400 cc per day or not urinating at all
- Headache, difficulty breathing
- Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
- Dehydration, fatigue, easy tiredness, dizziness
- Dry, itchy skin and rashes
- Muscle weakness and severe body aches
- If there is anemia, it may lead to unconsciousness and death
How is Acute Kidney Failure diagnosed?
Diagnosing acute kidney failure must be done by a specialized physician with expertise, and there are several methods including:
- Detailed medical history and physical examination by a nephrology specialist to assess the risk of acute kidney failure
- Blood tests to assess kidney function including
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test to measure the level of nitrogen from urea in the blood
- Creatinine test to evaluate waste from muscle metabolism in the body’s organs
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) test to check the filtration rate of waste in the kidneys and assess kidney function
- Urinalysis to assess contamination of protein and red blood cells indicating kidney abnormalities, as protein and red blood cells may leak into the urine if there is a kidney issue
- Kidney ultrasound to detect abnormalities through kidney structure
- CT Scan to evaluate kidney characteristics and urinary tract blockages
How is Acute Kidney Failure treated?
Treatment for acute kidney failure depends significantly on the cause. The doctor will appropriately assess the treatment. If treated in time, the kidneys often return to normal function and prevent potential complications. However, if not treated in time, chronic renal failure may occur. There are several treatment methods including:
- Stop medications that contribute to kidney failure and adjust medication dosages to match the reduced kidney function
- Provide fluid replacement in patients with dehydration; drink appropriate electrolytes and monitor for shock symptoms
- Adjust nutrients, energy, and protein intake suitable for acute kidney failure patients
- Balance fluid intake and output to maintain the body’s fluid balance and manage body weight
- The use of medication cannot completely cure acute kidney failure
- Renal replacement therapy may be needed if the kidney functions minimally or not at all, potentially requiring dialysis machines until the kidneys recover
Can Acute Kidney Failure turn into Chronic Kidney Failure?
Both acute and chronic kidney failure involve the loss of kidney function, but acute kidney failure occurs rapidly and symptoms are often severe. If treated promptly, it usually returns to normal, while chronic kidney failure occurs slowly over a long period and cannot be cured. Only the progression and severity are slowed or managed. Only 10% of acute kidney failure patients are at risk of developing chronic kidney failure, as the kidneys usually return to their normal function post-treatment. Chronic kidney failure patients need lifestyle adjustments and may require renal replacement therapy, such as hemodialysis with dialysis machines, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplants, as assessed by physicians. Adherence to medical advice is thus crucial.
How can Acute Kidney Failure be prevented?
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Avoid overly salty, sweet, or fatty foods
- Get 7–8 hours of sleep per day
- Drink sufficient water, about 8–10 glasses per day
- Exercise regularly
- Manage stress appropriately
- Avoid smoking and alcoholic beverages
- Have regular health check-ups annually
- If there are any abnormalities or risk factors, kidney screening with a specialist should be done immediately
Hospitals ready to care for Acute Kidney Failure
Bangkok Hospital Kidney Center is ready to diagnose and treat acute kidney failure with specialists, nurses, a multidisciplinary team, and state-of-the-art equipment to restore normal kidney function and ensure confident living every day.
Specialists in the treatment of Acute Kidney Failure
Dr..Manoch Techachokwiwat Nephrologist Kidney Center Bangkok Hospital
You canclick here to make an appointment yourself
