Acute Kidney Failure Health Center

Symptoms of acute kidney failure can hit suddenly and should not be ignored. However, some symptoms of acute kidney failure can be mistaken for other milder conditions such as the common flu, so if you begin to experience symptoms, make sure to visit your doctor so you can get the correct diagnosis. If you know you have received recent trauma such as a hard hit directly to the kidneys and are experiencing symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

Symptoms generally include a combination of headache, fatigue, nausea and loss of appetite. Pain in the flanks, irregular heartbeat, blood in the urine, seizures, swelling of the feet and leg cramps are also possible. These problems may be caused by waste product build up within the blood, a condition called uremia.

The kidneys also make hormones and balance minerals found in blood. When the kidneys stop working, most people develop conditions that affect the blood, bones, nerves and skin. Therefore, in addition to the above symptoms, other signs include itching, sleep problems, restless legs, weak bones, joint problems and depression. 

If you are experiencing symptoms that are associated with acute kidney failure, talk to your doctor right away.