Five types of kidney failure
Kidney failure is further divided into five types. These include;
Acute prerenal kidney failure
Decreased blood flow to the filtering organs can cause acute prerenal kidney failure. It leads to the decreased filtration of the toxins and metabolic wastes from the blood. This type of kidney failure is usually well treated once your physician diagnose the underlying cause of the decreased blood flow.
Acute intrinsic kidney failure
This type of kidney failure usually results from direct physical trauma to the kidneys, such as a blunt injury or an accident. Causes also include ischemia (a lack of oxygen to the kidneys) and toxin overload. The following are the primary causes of ischemia:
- Severe bleeding
- Glomerulonephritis
- Shock
- Renal blood vessel obstruction
Chronic prerenal kidney failure
Chronic prerenal kidney failure is caused by insufficient blood flowing to the kidneys for an extended period. It causes the kidneys to shrink and lose the ability to perform optimal functions.
Chronic intrinsic kidney failure
This type of kidney failure happens when there is long-term kidney tissue damage due to intrinsic kidney disease. Intrinsic kidney diseases develop secondary to direct trauma to the kidneys, such as ischemia (lack of oxygen) and severe bleeding.
Chronic post-renal kidney failure
Chronic post-renal kidney failure occurs due to a long-term blockage of the urinary tract that prevents urination. This causes pressure buildup in the kidneys and eventual kidney damage.
