Kidney failure may occur in two forms. The kidneys can gradually lose their ability to function properly to remove toxins from the body. This form of the problem is called chronic kidney failure, the Mayo Clinic reports, because it takes place over a period of years. Acute renal failure, however, happens suddenly and has more immediate implications. Both forms of renal failure can cause death without treatment.
Urination Difficulties
Acute and chronic renal failure may cause a significant decrease in the amount of urine expelled from the person's body. This may not be noticeable with the chronic form of the condition because it happens gradually. However, with acute renal failure, it may be a sudden, noticeable drop in output. Acute renal failure does not always cause this decrease in output, states the Mayo Clinic.
Swelling
Swelling typically occurs with both forms of kidney failure because of edema. Edema means the person retains too much fluid in his body because he cannot expel it through the urinary system. Swelling generally occurs in the feet and ankles with chronic and acute renal failure, and may occur in the legs as well with the acute form of the condition, the Mayo Clinic reports.
Fatigue
The National Kidney Foundation reports fatigue as a common symptom of chronic renal failure. For most people, fatigue happens when they are busy and active, either while working or playing sports or performing some other strenuous bodily activities. With chronic renal failure, a person may feel fatigued and generally weak, even when she has not been active. She may feel she does not have as much energy as she normally does. This occurs because the toxins the kidneys usually eliminate are not being removed from his body. The Mayo Clinic reports fatigue as a symptom with acute renal failure.
Confusion
The imbalance in the person's body caused by the failure of the kidneys to cleanse his blood can affect his mental faculties. He may, for example, find it problematic to concentrate on regular tasks. He may be confused about tasks he performs and may not follow conversations well. These problems commonly occur with acute and chronic renal failure.
Nausea
Kidney failure may disrupt the normal cycle of digestion and cause the person to be sick in her stomach and feel she may vomit. Vomiting may occur, particularly with the chronic form of the disease.
Seizures and Coma
Because acute renal failure happens suddenly, it can cause massive disruptions in the person's body systems. He may experience seizures or fall into a coma, the Mayo Clinic reports, if his condition is severe.
