Final answer:
Chronic renal failure usually does not occur suddenly but develops gradually over time, typically due to conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chronic renal failure typically develops gradually over time, as opposed to acute renal failure, which occurs suddenly. Chronic renal failure, or chronic kidney disease (CKD), can result from various conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and glomerulonephritis, leading to anemia and a reduction in kidney size.
Symptoms and signs of kidney failure, along with biochemical markers such as elevated serum creatinine levels, assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing the type of renal failure. It is worth noting that acute-on-chronic renal failure can occur, representing an acute deterioration in a patient with pre-existing chronic renal failure.