Kidney Failure (Acute Kidney Failure)

Acute kidney failure happens when your kidneys lose their ability to rid your body of waste, excess fluid and salts. When your kidneys no longer filter properly, the fluids, salts and wastes accumulate in your body. Acute kidney failure develops quickly, within hours or days. Signs can include urinating less, swelling in your legs, ankles or feet because of the fluid you're retaining, drowsiness, shortness of breath and fatigue. You are most at risk of acute kidney failure if you are hospitalized with another serious problem that requires intensive care. Other risk factors include being elderly, having diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure and liver disease. Acute kidney failure can be fatal. However, it can be successfully treated with drugs and dialysis.