Renal Failure Care
Prevention & Treatment of Kidney Failure
Renal failure, also called kidney failure, refers to temporary or permanent damage to the kidneys that results in loss of normal kidney function. There are two different types of renal failure--acute and chronic. Acute renal failure happens suddenly and is potentially reversible. Chronic renal failure progresses slowly over at least three months and can lead to permanent renal failure.
What Causes Renal Failure?
Renal failure is caused by a sudden, drastic loss of blood flow to the kidneys. There are a number of conditions that could cause this, which vary depending on whether the condition is acute or chronic.
Some causes of acute renal failure:
- Heart attacks
- Allergic reactions
- Infections
- Dehydration
- Burns
- Certain medications
Causes of chronic renal failure may involve:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Reoccurring kidney infections
- Glomerulonephritis
What Are Some Underlying Symptoms?
Patients with acute kidney failure often have their condition diagnosed right away as it is most often caused by another medical condition that requires immediate attention. Doctors are familiar with the various complications that can cause acute renal failure and will usually perform a check for it while treating the primary condition.
The following are some symptoms of acute renal failure:
- Hemorrhage
- Severe vomiting
- Poor appetite
- Difficulty urinating
- Nose bleeds
- Swelling
- Eye inflammation
- Back pain
Chronic renal failure develops more slowly, and you will need to be vigilant of the symptoms in order to receive treatment in a timely manner.
These symptoms may include:
- Poor appetite
- Itchy, dry skin
- Frequent headaches
- Difficulty sleeping
- Shortness of breath
- Chronic high blood pressure
Treating & Preventing Kidney Failure
There are rare cases where kidneys can recover after failure, but in most cases the condition is permanent. When this occurs, patients will have to receive regular dialysis treatments until they can receive a kidney transplants.
Dialysis is an advanced treatment where a machine is attached to the body and performs the normal function of the kidneys. Patients ordinarily need this treatment several times a week. If you travel often, most hospitals in the United States and developed countries offer dialysis services.
We can provide you with dialysis while connecting you to resources for a kidney transplant. Our team will go above and beyond to make your dialysis treatments more comfortable and convenient.