Renal Failure

Acute Renal Failure (ARF)

Acute renal failure involves a sudden decline of renal function significant enough to produce azotemia and sometimes oliguria, usually developing over a few days to weeks. With prompt identification and treatment of the cause it is often reversible. Diagnosis relies on raised urea and creatinine levels alongside features such as loin pain, azotemia, and oliguria. Common causes include shock (reduced blood flow to the kidneys), acute glomerulonephritis, and obstruction interfering with the elimination of urine.

Chronic Renal Failure (CRF/CKD)

Chronic renal failure progresses much more slowly than the acute form and is generally irreversible, though its decline can be slowed if caught early. It is often asymptomatic in the early stages and therefore difficult to detect before significant complications appear. It presents with raised blood urea and creatinine and may be accompanied by hypertension, proteinuria, and anemia.

Early disease is often silent. As function declines, symptoms include reduced or changed urine output, fatigue and weakness, nausea and loss of appetite, swelling of the legs and around the eyes, breathlessness, itching, and difficulty concentrating. Severe failure can cause confusion and is life-threatening.

Assessment centers on blood urea and creatinine with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinalysis for protein and blood, and electrolyte testing. Imaging such as renal ultrasound helps identify obstruction or structural change, and the time course distinguishes acute from chronic failure.

Herbal approaches not recommended. Immediate medical attention necessary.

Other Herbs:

• Zea mays
• Vaccinium macrocarpon
• Urtica diocea
• Apium graveolens
• Calendula officinalis