N17.9: Acute renal failure, unspecified
Acute renal failure, also known as acute kidney failure, is a serious condition where the kidneys suddenly stop working effectively. This means they can't quickly filter waste products from your blood. When this happens, waste can build-up and dangerously affect the balance of electrolytes, which are substances necessary for many body functions. Acute renal failure might occur rapidly over a few hours or slowly over a few days and may develop from numerous causes including inadequate blood flow to the kidneys, direct damage to the kidneys or blockage of the urine removed by the kidneys. The symptoms can vary widely depending on the severity, but may include decreased urine output, fluid retention leading to swelling in legs, ankles or feet, shortness of breath, fatigue, and confusion.
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