Acute kidney failure happens when your kidneys suddenly stop filtering waste products, excess fluids, and important electrolytes from your blood. The sudden loss of function can happen as a result of an infection, complications from surgery, or some health conditions that increase your risk for kidney problems.
Kidneys play many roles, including managing the body’s fluid levels, producing hormones to manage blood pressure, and helping keep your bones strong. When kidneys don’t function well, you may experience problems with your heart (such as high blood pressure), muscle weakness, a bad taste in the mouth, or a buildup of fluid in the lungs and abdomen.
The first step in identifying acute renal failure is to see your doctor and get a physical exam. Your doctor will check for symptoms like blood in the urine or a rash that could indicate a kidney infection. They will also do tests such as an ultrasound, a CT scan, and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test to evaluate the condition of your kidneys.
Some causes of acute kidney injury are serious or life-threatening and need urgent medical care. These include severe dehydration from conditions such as vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating; heart failure that decreases kidney blood flow; and some health conditions and medications that can lead to reduced kidney function (such as NSAIDs and contrast agents). If there is a blockage in the urinary tract, your doctor may do procedures like cystoscopy or surgery to remove the obstruction.