What it is
It is more likely in older people and in people who already have kidney disease, heart failure, diabetes or liver disease, especially when they become unwell and stop drinking.
Treatment focuses on the cause: fluids, stopping or pausing certain medicines, treating infection or relieving a blockage. A few people need dialysis for a while.
Common signs
- Passing much less urine than usual
- Feeling sick, confused or very tired
- Swelling of the legs or ankles
- Often no symptoms; it is found on a blood test
How it is usually diagnosed
- Blood tests for creatinine, compared with earlier results
- Urine tests
- An ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder to look for a blockage
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Creatinine and eGFR results before, during and after the episode
- The hospital discharge letter
- A list of medicines that were stopped or changed
- Kidney ultrasound reports
Questions to ask your doctor
- Has my kidney function fully recovered?
- When should my blood be checked again?
- Which medicines should I avoid or pause when I am ill?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Passing very little or no urine
- Drowsiness or confusion
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.