Renal insufficiency is a medical term for a condition that's more commonly known as renal failure or kidney failure. It may also be called kidney insufficiency. Renal insufficiency means, so to speak, that your kidneys no longer have sufficient ability to carry out their normal functions. Renal insuffiency is a serious kidney problem and can even be fatal if left untreated.

There are several types of renal insufficiency. Acute renal failure - This is also known as ARF and acute kidney failure. It occurs when some form of kidney disease has caused the kidneys to stop working, usually in an uncharacteristically short time. Since the kidneys normally filter toxins, wastes and excess fluids from the body, acute kidney failure is extremely dangerous and qualifies as a medical emergency. It can be caused by an infection, a variety of drugs, traumatic injury, major surgery, or nephrotoxicity. It can also happen if the blood flow to a kidney is obstructed or blocked.

Chronic renal insufficiency is the second type. It is often abbreviated as CRI, and is sometimes called progressive renal insufficiency. Chronic renal insufficiency is an insidious condition that often takes years - even decades - to develop and progress to the point that you even know you have it. By the time symptoms appear, there's often been considerable damage done and chronic renal failure is a possibility.

Kidney damage from chronic renal insufficiency is currently irreversible. Once it reaches a stage known as end stage renal disease, the kidneys no longer work, there are only two options for survival: kidney dialysis or a kidney transplant.

There are a number of diseases and risk factors that are associated with renal insufficiency. Diabetes and high blood pressure are among the most common causes. Other types of kidney problems like kidney stones, kidney infections and kidney cancer are also prominent causes. Individuals in higher risk groups include those over age 65, those who have a family history of kidney problems, those who are obese or smoke, and those in certain racial groups. You can learn more by clicking on chronic renal failure causes.