If you’re searching kidney failure, you’re probably trying to answer one urgent question: How serious is this—and what should I do right now?
Here’s the clearest way to think about it: kidney failure isn’t one single scenario. Some people develop kidney failure slowly (advanced chronic kidney disease), while others develop it suddenly (acute kidney injury). The “right next step” depends on which situation you’re in and how you’re feeling.
This guide explains what kidney failure means, the most common symptoms, why it happens, what treatment typically looks like, and warning symptoms that shouldn’t wait.
Educational only. Not medical advice or a diagnosis.
What is kidney failure?
Kidney failure as the last stage of CKD (ESRD/ESKD)
The National Kidney Foundation explains that kidney failure (also called ESRD) is the last stage of chronic kidney disease, and treatment typically involves dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Mayo Clinic similarly describes end-stage renal disease (end-stage kidney disease / kidney failure) as occurring when chronic kidney disease reaches an advanced state and the kidneys can no longer meet the body’s needs.
Kidney failure that happens suddenly (acute kidney injury)
Not all kidney failure is gradual. NKF explains that acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs when the kidneys suddenly lose their ability to filter waste—often developing within hours or days—and it replaces the older term “acute renal failure.”
Kidney failure symptoms
Symptoms can vary based on whether the issue is acute or chronic, but common warning patterns include:
- Swelling in legs/feet/face (fluid retention)
- Shortness of breath (can happen when fluid overload affects the lungs)
- Marked fatigue, weakness, or confusion
- Very little urination (or sudden major change from your baseline)
- Nausea/vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
Cleveland Clinic notes kidney failure may be acute or chronic and highlights that end-stage kidney disease is deadly without treatment.
What causes kidney failure?
Chronic (slowly progressive) causes
When kidney failure develops gradually, it is usually the result of long-standing kidney damage (advanced CKD). NKF’s kidney failure overview frames kidney failure as the last stage of CKD.
Acute causes
When kidney function drops suddenly, common contributors can include severe illness, dehydration/low blood flow to kidneys, medication toxicity, obstruction, or serious infection—depending on the person and situation.
NKF emphasizes the defining feature of AKI is the sudden loss of filtering ability.
Mayo Clinic notes acute kidney injury can lead to serious complications, including death, and in some cases can contribute to end-stage kidney disease.
Can you die suddenly from kidney failure?
People usually mean one of these scenarios:
Untreated end-stage kidney disease
Cleveland Clinic notes end-stage kidney disease is deadly without treatment and states that without treatment, survival may be days to weeks (varies by the individual).
This is why dialysis/transplant planning is so important before kidney function reaches a crisis point.
Acute kidney injury during a medical emergency
AKI can develop quickly, and Mayo Clinic notes it can cause kidneys to stop working and can be fatal.
When AKI is part of a bigger emergency—severe dehydration, sepsis, major infection—waiting at home can be dangerous.
Sepsis (infection-triggered organ failure)
Sepsis can begin from infections that often start in the urinary tract, and without fast treatment can rapidly progress to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.
This is one reason kidney-related infections should never be treated casually when symptoms are escalating.
How is kidney failure treated?
Treatment depends on the cause and stage—but the “big picture” options are consistent across major kidney foundations.
Treat the cause (especially in AKI)
In acute kidney injury, the immediate goal is to stabilize the body and correct what is damaging kidney function (fluids, infection management, stopping harmful meds, relieving obstruction, etc.).
Dialysis and transplant (for ESRD/ESKD)
NKF states that when kidneys fail (ESRD), treatment is typically dialysis or kidney transplant.
Warning symptoms that shouldn’t wait
If you suspect kidney failure—or you’ve been told your kidney function is very low—urgent evaluation is reasonable if you have:
- Shortness of breath (new or worsening)
- Chest pain, fainting, or a sense something is “rapidly getting worse”
- Confusion, severe weakness, or inability to stay awake
- Very little urination compared to your baseline
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids/medications down
- Signs of severe infection (high fever, shaking chills) — especially if you’re also weak, confused, or breathing fast
If infection is in the mix, remember: sepsis can progress quickly without treatment.
If you’re in Houston and you’re dealing with warning symptoms that shouldn’t wait, getting evaluated sooner is often the safer decision—especially if breathing, mental clarity, urination, or hydration are changing fast.
Post Oak ER states it is open 24/7 with board-certified emergency physicians and advanced on-site diagnostics, including CT, X-ray, and laboratory services.
They also note they are open 24/7 near The Galleria.