What is the difference between acute kidney (renal) failure and chronic kidney disease and how does my doctor come to a conclusion of what type of kidney failure is present?

To treat kidney failure effectively, it is important to know whether kidney disease has developed suddenly (acute) or over the long term (chronic). Many conditions, diseases, and medications can create situations that lead to acute and chronic kidney disease. Acute Renal Failure (ARF) is usually caused by an event that leads to kidney malfunction, such as dehydration; blood loss from major surgery or injury; or the use of medications, such as contrast agents used in X-ray tests or antibiotics such as Gentamicin. There are also other tablets that can cause problem with kidney or its failure, more so when there is some other disease or when given in combination with other tablets or injection.  more