Acute kidney failure, also known as acute renal failure, refers to a sudden loss of kidney function. The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering toxins and chemicals from the blood. When the kidneys fail to function properly, the body can become overwhelmed with toxins, leading to an imbalance in the chemical composition of the bloodstream. Unlike chronic renal failure, which develops over years, acute renal failure occurs rapidly over a few hours or days. It is more prevalent among hospitalized individuals, those with compromised immune systems, or those who are critically ill. Recognizing the following ten symptoms of acute kidney failure can help identify if you or a loved one may be experiencing this condition.
Swelling and Fluid Retention
When the kidneys are functioning properly, they remove excess fluids and electrolytes from the body and send them to the bladder for elimination. However, in cases of kidney failure, this process becomes compromised, resulting in the retention of fluids within the body. As a consequence, swelling can occur, most commonly in the legs, ankles, and feet.
Signs of Decreased Urine Output
When the kidneys fail to function efficiently, they are unable to filter out toxins and produce urine as usual. This can lead to decreased urine output and may indicate acute renal failure or advanced stages of renal disease.