How do kidneys fail
Many factors that influence the speed of kidney failure are not completely understood. Researchers are still studying how protein in the diet and cholesterol levels in the blood affect kidney function.
Acute renal failure
Some kidney problems happen quickly, like an accident that injures
the kidneys. Losing a lot of blood can cause sudden kidney failure.
Some drugs or poisons can make your kidneys stop working. These
sudden drops in kidney function are called
acute renal
failure
(ARF).
ARF may lead to permanent loss of kidney function. But if your kidneys are not seriously damaged, acute renal failure may be reversed.
Chronic renal failure
Most kidney problems, however, happen slowly. You may have "silent"
kidney disease for years. Gradual loss of kidney function is called
chronic renal failure or chronic renal
disease.
End stage renal disease
The condition of total or nearly total and permanent kidney failure
is called end-stage renal disease (ESRD). People
with ESRD must undergo dialysis or transplantation to stay
alive.
Source:
Adapted from National Institutes of Health, 3/00
Last reviewed March 2000 by EBSCO Publishing Editorial Staff
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