When kidneys are unable to filter the blood, dangerous levels of fluid and waste collect in the body. According to MayoClinic.com, acute kidney failure can happen over the course of hours or days, and is most likely to occur in critically ill people. While each condition causing kidney failure has its own unique symptoms, common symptoms of acute kidney failure include decreased urine output, fluid retention and fatigue. This condition can be fatal; however, people in good health prior to affliction can recover full kidney usage.
Autoimmune Conditions
Often caused by the immune system's response to an infection, acute nephritic syndrome causes the kidneys to become swollen and inflamed. MedlinePlus reports that symptoms of this disease may include swelling of the face, blood in the urine, muscle aches, and lethargic movement. Acute nephritic syndrome often results from syphilis, hepatitis, vasculitis, or measles. Treatment of this disease involves bed rest, antibiotics and other medications to reduce inflammation. Generally, symptoms of acute nephritic syndrome will dissipate in one to two weeks after the start of treatment, according to MayoClinic.com.
Sudden Blockage of Urine Flow
A sudden blockage in the flow of urine from both kidneys, known as acute bilateral obstructive uropathy, creates a dangerous situation in which the kidneys swell as a result of urine's inability to properly drain. According to MedlinePlus, most cases of this disease result from an enlarged prostrate; other causes include bladder cancer, kidney stones or a blood clot.
Symptoms of acute bilateral obstructive uropathy may include abnormal urine flow, an increase in blood pressure, abnormal urine color, and nausea and vomiting. Treatment for this condition includes antibiotics and catheterization to relive fluid retention; more serious cases may require surgery to correct. If treated during the onset of symptoms, acute bilateral obstructive uropathy will go away within hours or days.
Progressive Kidney Disease
Systemic scleroderma is a group of progressive diseases that cause the body's connective tissue, including that found in the kidneys, to harden. The hardening of the kidney's tissue causes an increase in blood pressure; in severe cases, it causes rapid kidney failure. MayoClinic.com reports that women are four times more likely than men to develop scleroderma. No treatment for scleroderma currently exists, but treatment with medicine, physical therapy and surgery helps manage the disease.
Bacterial Infections
Severe bacterial infections can lead to bacteria in the bloodstream, a condition known as septicemia, as well as acute kidney failure. Septicemia is a life-threatening condition that can rapidly get worse if it not treated immediately. The disease is characterized by spiking fever, decreased body temperature and decreased blood pressure; decreased or complete lack of urine output is commonly associated with kidney failure caused by septicemia. MedlinePlus reports that more than 50 percent of people with septicemia will die when major organs such as the kidneys are affected.
Low Blood Pressure
Extreme low blood pressure can cause a decrease or lack of blood flow to the kidneys, resulting in kidney failure. Common causes of low blood pressure resulting in acute kidney failure include burns, hemorrhaging, injury, serious illness and surgery. A lack of blood flow to the kidneys prevents proper filtering of the blood, resulting in swelling and fluid retention. Symptoms of kidney failure due to low blood pressure may include back pain, fatigue, sluggish movements and changes in urination patterns.
