The kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the body through urine, while also maintaining electrolyte balance and regulating blood pressure. When this function declines, many bodily functions are affected.

According to Master, Doctor Nguyen Quang Huy from the Department of Nephrology - Dialysis, Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, kidney function decline can occur in two common forms: acute kidney failure and chronic kidney failure. Acute kidney failure develops suddenly over a short period and can recover with timely treatment, whereas chronic kidney failure progresses silently over many months to many years and often makes complete recovery of lost kidney function difficult.

Causes

Acute kidney failure typically arises from conditions that suddenly reduce blood flow to the kidneys or cause direct kidney damage. Common causes include: severe dehydration, severe infections, low blood pressure, use of kidney-damaging medications, or trauma. Additionally, urinary tract obstructions like ureteral stones or prostatic hypertrophy can also lead to a rapid decline in kidney function.

Doctor Huy advises a patient after evaluating test results. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Chronic kidney failure is primarily associated with long-term conditions that progressively damage the kidneys. High blood pressure and diabetes are two leading causes. Persistently high blood sugar can damage the glomeruli, while high blood pressure leads to hardening and narrowing of the blood vessels supplying the kidneys. Other contributing factors include: glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, recurrent pyelonephritis, or prolonged urine reflux.

Symptoms

Acute kidney failure often has a sudden onset and rapid progression, with symptoms such as: oliguria or anuria, nausea, vomiting, swelling, and shortness of breath. Severe cases may experience cardiac arrhythmias due to electrolyte imbalance and metabolic acidosis. However, the condition sometimes presents without clear symptoms and is only detected through laboratory tests.

Chronic kidney failure progresses silently over an extended period, often without symptoms. Symptoms typically emerge and become noticeable in later stages, including: prolonged fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, dry itchy skin, or leg swelling. Consequently, many cases are only diagnosed when kidney damage is already significant.

Treatment and Recovery Potential

A key distinction between the two conditions lies in the potential for kidney function recovery. For acute kidney failure, treatment primarily focuses on addressing the underlying causes of kidney damage, such as: fluid replacement, infection control, medication adjustment, or resolving urinary tract obstruction. Some cases require temporary dialysis to support the body during the acute phase. With early and correct diagnosis and treatment, most patients can achieve full kidney function recovery.

Conversely, chronic kidney failure typically involves irreversible loss of kidney function. Treatment goals primarily focus on managing underlying conditions, slowing the progression of kidney failure, and limiting complications. Patients require regular follow-ups and monitoring by a specialist regarding: diet, exercise, and medications. When kidney function significantly declines, kidney replacement therapy (kidney transplant, regular hemodialysis, or peritoneal dialysis) may be necessary.

Doctor Huy advises individuals experiencing symptoms such as: reduced urination, swelling, prolonged dehydration, or those with underlying conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or hereditary kidney disease, to undergo general health check-ups and regular nephrology consultations. Early detection and timely treatment can help limit the risk of progressive kidney failure and dangerous complications.

Thu Giang