What Is Acute Kidney Failure (Acute Kidney Injury)?

Acute Kidney Failure, or Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), happens when your kidneys suddenly stop working properly, usually within a few hours or days. When this occurs, your kidneys cannot filter waste, extra fluids, or toxins from your blood as they should. As a result, substances like urea and creatinine build up in your body, which can upset your fluid balance, change your electrolyte levels, and affect your overall health.

Unlike chronic kidney disease, which develops slowly, AKI happens quickly and needs immediate medical care. If it is found and treated early, your kidneys may recover fully or at least partly.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

AKI symptoms can be different for each person, depending on what caused the problem and how serious it is. Sometimes, symptoms start out mild and get worse as the kidneys lose more function.