Acute Kidney Failure

Acute kidney failure (also known as acute renal failure) is a sudden, abrupt decrease in the function of the kidneys. It can lead to symptoms such as fatigue and decreased urine production, and can be caused by facets such as infection, physical trauma and certain medications. If left untreated, acute kidney failure can become life-threatening and cause an individual’s blood pressure to drop, their lungs to become congested, and their electrolyte balance to be disturbed. As such, early diagnosis and timely intervention are important for successful treatment. Treatment focuses on relieving the underlying cause of the kidney dysfunction, restoring electrolyte balance, and replacing lost fluids and minerals.