The kidneys are one of the vital organs of the human body, which is responsible for the filtration of blood, the discharge of waste and excess water, and for maintaining the internal stability of the body. There are, however, cases of sudden and severe kidney damage leading to acute kidney failure (Acute Kidney Injury, AKI). Knowledge of acute kidney failure is essential for prevention and timely treatment.
I. What’s acute kidney failure?
Acute kidney failure is a clinical syndrome resulting from a dramatic decline in kidney function in a short period of time (a few hours to a few days) caused by various causes. The main manifestations are the decline in renal pellets, the accumulation of metabolic waste, water, electrolyte and acid alkali balance disorders.
II. Symptoms of acute kidney failure
1. Changes in urine: This is one of the most common symptoms of acute kidney failure. Patients may have reduced or even no urine, while others may have increased urine. In general, the amount of urine is less than 400 ml for 24 hours and less than 100 ml for no urine.
Oedema: Because the kidneys do not normally excrete the excess moisture, the patient has different levels of oedema, which can be seen in the eyelids, lower limbs and even overall oedema.
3. Disgusting, vomiting and appetite: The accumulation of metabolic waste in the body affects the functioning of the digestive system, leading to symptoms of nausea, vomiting and appetite.
4. Illness, fatigue: When the kidney function is impaired, the body metabolites are not released in a timely manner, causing overall discomfort and fatigue.
5. Respiratory difficulties: People with severe acute kidney failure may experience pulmonary oedema, leading to respiratory difficulties. In case of serious illness, the patient may suffer from confusion, unconsciousness, etc.
III. Causes of acute kidney failure
Prenal factors: due mainly to insufficient renal blood injection. The common causes are: (1) large-scale haemorrhage, dehydration: severe trauma, burns, vomiting, diarrhoea, etc. resulting in a sharp reduction in blood capacity. (ii) Heart failure: the heart is unable to effectively pump the blood out, resulting in a lack of blood in the kidney. (3) In shock: shock caused by various causes, such as infectious shock, allergic shock, etc.
2. Kidney factor: Acute kidney failure due to direct damage to kidney tissue. The most common causes are: (1) acute kidney pelvis, acute kidney pelvis, etc. (2) Drug toxicity: Certain drugs, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory non-ephthalmics, photocopying, have a direct toxic effect on the kidneys. (3) Toxicity: poisonings such as heavy metals (lead, mercury, etc.), organic solvents, etc. (4) Recursive re-infusion of re-infusion of renal ischaemic lesions: short renal ischaemics during the process, such as heart surgery, vascular surgery, etc., may lead to kidney damage.
3. Post-renal factors: due mainly to urinary blockage. The common reasons are: (1) kidney stones, urethroat stones. (2) Prostate growth, tumours, etc. lead to a narrow urinary path or blockage.
IV. Diagnosis of acute kidney failure
1. Medical history and clinical performance: Doctors ask for details of patient ‘ s medical history, including recent injuries, surgery, infections, drug use, and symptoms.
Laboratory examination: (1) Blood examination: includes indicators such as blood protocol, kidney function (e.g. acetic anhydride, urea nitrogen, etc.), electrolyte (e.g. potassium, sodium, calcium, etc.), acid alkaline balance. acetic anhydride and urea nitrogen rises rapidly in acute kidney failure, and electrolyte and acid alkali balance disorders occur. (2) Urinary examination: Analysis of the composition, weight, acid alkalinity, etc. of the urine helps to determine the location and extent of kidney damage.
Visual examinations, such as ultrasound, CT, etc., can help doctors to understand the size, morphology, structure and whether or not there are obstacles to the urinary path.
Treatment for acute kidney failure
1. Elimination of causes of disease: appropriate treatment for different causes. Such as supplementation of blood capacity, treatment of heart failure, removal of urinary blockage, discontinuation of kidney toxicity.
2. Maintenance of internal environmental stability: (1) Control of fluid traffic: strict control of the intake and discharge of liquids to avoid excessive or inadequate water, depending on the patient ‘ s urine, weight, blood pressure, etc. (2) Correcting electrolyte disorders: e.g. potassium haemorrhage, low sodemia, etc., can be corrected through medication, dietary adjustment, etc. (3) Correcting algebraic balance disorder: Based on the patient ‘ s haematological analysis, appropriate treatment, such as sodium carbonate to correct acid poisoning.
3. Nutritional support: People with acute kidney failure are often hungry and need appropriate nutritional support to ensure their energy and nutritional needs. Intestine or intestine nutrition can be used.
Dialysis treatment: In cases of severe acute renal failure, dialysis treatment may be required when the drug treatment cannot effectively control the condition. dialysis can help remove metabolic waste and excess moisture from the body and maintain internal environmental stability. The dialysis methods include blood dialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Prevention of acute kidney failure
1. Prevention of infection: Actively preventing and treating infections and avoiding the spread of infection that leads to a general inflammation syndrome leading to acute kidney failure.
2. Reasonable drug use: Avoiding substance abuse, especially of substances with potential kidney toxicity. In the use of drugs, the kidney function is regularly checked, in strict accordance with the doctor ‘ s advice, with regard to dosage and treatment. Maintain adequate water intake, especially in high-temperature conditions, in cases of sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea, etc., by refilling water in a timely manner and avoiding dehydration resulting in insufficient renal blood injection.
3. Timely treatment of basic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, etc., to control progress and reduce kidney damage.
In general, acute kidney failure is a serious disease, but by understanding its symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment methods, as well as taking proactive preventive measures, we can reduce the risk of acute kidney failure and protect kidney health. In the event of changes in urine, oedema and nausea, medical treatment should be provided in a timely manner for early diagnosis and treatment.
