What is renal failure?
Renal 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 has an abrupt onset and is potentially reversible. Chronic renal failure progresses slowly over at least three months and can lead to permanent renal failure. The causes, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes of acute and chronic are different.
Conditions that may lead to acute or chronic renal failure may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Acute Renal Failure | Chronic Renal Failure |
|---|---|
Myocardial infarction. A heart attack may occasionally lead to temporary kidney failure. | Diabetic nephropathy. Diabetes can cause permanent changes, leading to kidney damage. |
Rhabdomyolysis. Kidney damage that can occur from muscle breakdown. This condition can occur from severe dehydration, infection, or other causes. | Hypertension. Chronic high blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to permanent kidney damage. |
Decreased blood flow to the kidneys for a period of time. This may occur from blood loss or shock. | Lupus (SLE). A chronic inflammatory/autoimmune disease that can injure the skin, joints, kidneys, and nervous system. |
An obstruction or blockage along the urinary tract. | A prolonged urinary tract obstruction or blockage. |
Hemolytic uremic syndrome. Usually caused by an E. coli infection, kidney failure develops as a result of obstruction to the small functional structures and vessels inside the kidney. | Alport syndrome. An inherited disorder that causes deafness, progressive kidney damage, and eye defects. |
Ingestion of certain medications that may cause toxicity to the kidneys. | Nephrotic syndrome. A condition that has several different causes. Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by protein in the urine, low protein in the blood, high cholesterol levels, and tissue swelling. |
Glomerulonephritis. A type of kidney disease that involves glomeruli. During glomerulonephritis, the glomeruli become inflamed and impair the kidney's ability to filter urine. Glomerulonephritis may lead to chronic renal failure in some individuals. | Polycystic kidney disease. A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts filled with fluid in the kidneys. |
Any condition that may impair the flow of oxygen and blood to the kidneys such as cardiac arrest. | Cystinosis. An inherited disorder in which the amino acid cystine (a common protein-building compound) accumulates within specific cellular bodies of the kidney, known as lysosomes. |
| Interstitial nephritis or pyelonephritis. An inflammation to the small internal structures in the kidney. |
What is end-stage renal disease (ESRD)?
End-stage renal disease is when the kidneys permanently fail to work.
What are the symptoms of renal failure?
The symptoms for acute and chronic renal failure may be different. The following are the most common symptoms of acute and chronic renal failure. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
Acute: (Symptoms of acute renal failure depend largely on the underlying cause.)
Hemorrhage
Weakness
Rash
Severe vomiting
Muscle cramps
No urine output or high urine output
History of recent infection (a risk factor for acute renal failure)
Pale skin
Nosebleeds
History of taking certain medications (a risk factor for acute renal failure)
History of trauma (a risk factor for acute renal failure)
Swelling of the tissues
Inflammation of the eye
Detectable abdominal mass
Exposure to heavy metals or toxic solvents (a risk factor for acute renal failure)
Chronic:
Bone pain
Insomnia
Itching
Dry skin
Malaise
Fatigue with light activity
Muscle cramps
High urine output or no urine output
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Urinary incontinence
Pale skin
Bad breath
Hearing deficit
Detectable abdominal mass
Tissue swelling
Irritability
Poor muscle tone
Change in mental alertness
Metallic taste in mouth
