Kidney is a vital organ and its primary function is filtration of wastes from the body. Acute Kidney Failure is a condition in which the kidney loses its ability to remove excess fluids and salts from the blood and it can increase the levels of accumulated waste and cause electrolyte imbalance in the body. Also known as an acute renal failure and it can occur fast, in less than a few days.

This condition is more prevalent in already hospitalized patients and patients who require intensive care. Acute Kidney Failure can be fatal and needs accelerated treatment.

The common sign and symptoms of acute kidney failure include, reduced urine output, body swelling due to fluid retention, shortened breaths, exhaustion, loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, abnormal heart rate, pain in chest, in critical cases, seizures or comma. In some cases, it can happen without signs or symptoms.

Factors causing kidney failure include impaired blood flow causing heart conditions, liver failure, certain medication, septic shocks, loss of fluid and dehydration and thereby kidney failure.

Damage to kidney is also caused due to blood clots, cholesterol, glomeruli inflammation, lupus, toxins, tissue breakdown in muscles and tumours.

Urine blockage may also lead to bladder cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, kidney stones, nerve damage, and prostate cancer, causing kidney failure.

Metabolic diseases, ageing, and cancer conditions are among the most common risk factors for developing this condition.

Treatment may vary based on complication including a change in diet, medications, and dialysis.