The 5 Primary Types Of Kidney Failure

Kidneys are the fist-sized organs that are located at the base of the rib cage, with one on each side of the spine. These organs are primarily responsible for filtering waste products from the body. They also remove excess water and impurities from the blood. Like any organ in the body, the kidneys can become damaged and diseased.

When kidney disease is present for a long period of time, it can cause the organs to eventually fail. In these instances, in order to prevent further illness or death, the only options for chronic kidney disease treatment includes a kidney transplant or dialysis.

Here are the five primary types of kidney failure. 

1. Acute Prerenal Kidney Failure

This type of kidney failure is caused when there is an inadequate flow of blood to the kidneys. When there is insufficient blood flow, the kidneys can't filter out toxins. In most instances, once the cause of the insufficient blood flow is addressed, the kidneys can experience healing.

2. Acute Intrinsic Kidney Failure

When the kidneys experience some sort of trauma, whether due to an accident or another type of physical impact, it can result in this type of kidney failure. Another cause of acute intrinsic kidney failure is the kidneys aren't receiving enough oxygen, which can be related to shock or severe bleeding. While it can be fatal, it can also be reversible if treated properly.

3. Chronic Prerenal Kidney Failure

When the kidneys aren't getting enough blood for a prolonged period of time, it causes the kidneys to shrink so that they can no longer function as they should. When this happens, it results in chronic prerenal kidney failure.

4. Chronic Intrinsic Kidney Failure

When both of the kidneys are damaged or injured for a prolonged period of time, it can result in chronic intrinsic kidney failure. As with acute intrinsic kidney failure, some of the primary causes of this type of kidney failure include vascular disease, inflammation of the blood vessels, a lack of oxygen to the kidneys, or toxins in the kidneys.

5. Chronic Post Renal Kidney Failure

When the urinary tract is blocked for a prolonged period of time, it results in chronic post renal kidney failure. When this happens, urination becomes difficult or impossible, which causes the kidneys to become damaged.

In order to prevent kidney failure, it's important to seek treatment if you experience symptoms, such as reduced urine output, unexplained shortness of breath, or swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, which can be caused by fluid retention.