Acute kidney failure often has no symptoms, but physical signs include decreased urine output, swelling, thirst, rapid heartbeat, pain in the side, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Flank pain is a sign of kidney problems, and confusion and fatigue can also occur. Seek medical attention early to reverse the condition.
Rapid deterioration of kidney function is a serious problem, which is why it is unfortunate that acute kidney failure is not always accompanied by obvious symptoms. In fact, many people have no symptoms of acute kidney failure, although this condition often occurs when people are already in the hospital with other problems, making it possible to be caught early. Some of the physical signs include decreased urine output, swelling of the body, thirst, rapid heartbeat and pain in the side. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting also often occur in those with symptoms of acute kidney failure. This condition can also impact mental status, as confusion usually occurs along with dizziness and fatigue.
Flank pain, which is tenderness on one side of the body, is often a sign that something is wrong with the kidney, although some might mistake it for a simple kidney infection or just general pain. Of course, when other symptoms of acute kidney failure occur, it can become obvious that the problem is more serious. For example, extreme thirst, a metallic taste in the mouth, and very little urine output may occur. The body may swell, especially the legs and feet, sometimes making it obvious to others that something is wrong.
The stomach is also often affected by kidney failure, as many patients feel nauseous when their kidneys are not working properly. This may be followed by vomiting and diarrhea, making dehydration possible, although this is also occasionally the cause of the initial renal failure. The heart rate may accelerate, although the pulse is usually difficult to feel as it tends to weaken. If kidney failure is severe, seizures, coma, and fluid in the lungs may also occur. Fortunately, most patients receive medical attention before the problem becomes too serious, especially if they are already in the hospital when symptoms of acute kidney failure occur.
Symptoms may also spread to the brain, as confusion is usually present during renal failure, especially if the patient is also dehydrated. Concentration is often difficult, in part because of the sudden fatigue that often accompanies other symptoms of acute kidney failure. Confused or lethargic patients may find it difficult to seek medical attention as they may have difficulty staying awake or leaving the house. This can cause the problem to become more severe which is unfortunate as the condition can usually be reversed if caught early.
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