Key takeaways

  • Acute kidney failure occurs when the kidneys suddenly lose their ability to filter waste, potentially leading to dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes, and waste accumulation in the body.
  • The risk of acute kidney failure is higher for older adults and individuals with pre-existing conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease, heart failure, or morbid obesity.
  • Treatment for acute kidney failure focuses on restoring kidney function through diet restrictions, medications like antibiotics and diuretics, and, in some cases, temporary dialysis to remove waste and excess fluids.

Acute kidney failure occurs when your kidneys suddenly lose the ability to filter excess salts, fluids, and waste products from the blood. This elimination is the core of your kidneys’ main function. Body fluids can rise to dangerous levels when the kidneys lose their filtering ability.

Acute kidney failure can be life threatening and requires intensive treatment.

Acute kidney failure can occur for many reasons. Among the most common reasons are:

Reduced blood flow can damage your kidneys. The following conditions can lead to decreased blood flow to your kidneys:

Some infections, such as septicemia and acute pyelonephritis, can directly injure your kidneys.

Pregnancy can also cause complications that harm the kidneys, including placenta previa and placenta abruption.

The chances of acquiring acute kidney failure are greater if you’re over the age of 65 or if you have any of the following long-term health conditions:

If you’re in a hospital’s intensive care unit, you’re at an extremely high risk for acute kidney failure. Being the recipient of heart surgery, abdominal surgery, or a bone marrow transplant can also increase your risk.

The symptoms of acute kidney failure include:

  • bloody stools
  • breath odor
  • slow, sluggish movements
  • generalized swelling or fluid retention
  • fatigue
  • pain between ribs and hips
  • hand tremor
  • bruising easily
  • changes in mental status or mood, especially in older adults
  • decreased appetite
  • decreased sensation, especially in your hands or feet
  • prolonged bleeding
  • seizures
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • high blood pressure
  • a metallic taste in your mouth

If you have acute kidney failure, you may have generalized swelling. The swelling is due to fluid retention.

Using a stethoscope, a doctor may hear crackling in the lungs. These sounds can signal fluid retention.

Results of laboratory tests may also show abnormal values, which are new and different from baseline levels. Some of these tests include:

An ultrasound may be used to diagnose acute kidney failure. However, abdominal X-ray, abdominal CT scan, and abdominal MRI can help your doctor determine if there’s a blockage in your urinary tract.

Certain blood tests may also reveal underlying causes of acute kidney failure.

Your treatment will depend on the cause of your acute kidney failure. The goal is to restore healthy kidney function. Preventing fluids and wastes from building up in your body while your kidneys recover is important. In most cases, a kidney specialist, called a “nephrologist,” conducts an evaluation.

Diet

A doctor will restrict your diet and the amount of liquids you consume. This will reduce the buildup of toxins that the kidneys would normally eliminate. A diet high in carbohydrates and low in protein, salt, and potassium is usually recommended.

Medications

a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat or prevent any infections that occur at the same time. Diuretics may help your kidneys eliminate fluid. Calcium and insulin can help you avoid dangerous increases in your blood potassium levels.

Dialysis

You may need dialysis, but it’s not always necessary, and it will likely only be temporary. Dialysis involves diverting blood out of your body into a machine that filters out waste. The clean blood then returns to your body. If your potassium levels are dangerously high, dialysis can save your life.

Dialysis is necessary if there are changes in your mental status or if you stop urinating. You may also need dialysis if you develop pericarditis or inflammation of the heart. Dialysis can help eliminate nitrogen waste products from your body.

If your kidney failure has occurred due to obstructions of the urinary tract, you may need a urinary catheter placed to help with any trapped urine. If the obstruction is higher up in your urinary system, a urologist may need to perform a procedure to relieve it.

Some of the complications of acute kidney failure include:

Acute kidney failure can be a life threatening illness. Chronic renal failure or end stage renal disease can develop. There’s a greater risk of death if kidney failure is caused by severe infection, trauma, or surgery.

With proper treatment and diligence, your chances of recovery are good. Seek immediate and regular medical care for acute kidney failure, and ask your doctor questions about what you can do to heal faster.