For many people, treatment may restore a normal or near-normal function.

Older adults and those already in hospital for care were more at risk.

Causes and Complications

Other health conditions can lead to kidney failure.

Early Symptoms of Kidney Failure: red lightning bolts on a head to indicate headaches, scratching, swelling of the feet, person asleep on a laptop, an arm with pain or stiffness in the joints of the arm or hand (yellow lightning bolts to signify pain or stiffness) , a question mark on a head to show confusion or trouble with memory

Illustration by Ellen Lindner for Verywell Health

Complications also can occur, sometimes in a reciprocal relationship.

High blood pressurecan be both a cause and complication of kidney failure.

You also can experience:

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney failure.

Genetic conditions, and autoimmune diseases like lupus, can contribute to risk.

So can lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol use, and diet.

An early diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease can make a difference in your prognosis (outlook).

Both high blood pressure andhigh blood sugarcan contribute to kidney disease and kidney failure.

Be sure to follow your treatment plan and keep your healthcare provider aware of any changes in your symptoms.

Certain factors, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, can increase the risk of CKD.

Talk with your healthcare provider if you are concerned about new or changing symptoms.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.What is kidney failure?

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Your kidneys & how they work.

doi:10.7759/cureus.12486

American Kidney Fund.Kidney failure causes, symptoms, & treatments.

National Kidney Foundation.Acute kidney injury (AKI).

Legrand M, Clark AT, Neyra JA, Ostermann M.Acute kidney injury in patients with burns.Nat Rev Nephrol.

2024 Mar;20(3):188-200. doi:10.1038/s41581-023-00769-y

UK Kidney Association.Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in England.

Kanduri SR, Velez JCQ.Kidney Dysfunction in the Setting of Liver Failure: Core Curriculum 2024.Am J Kidney Dis.