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Can a kidney problems cause confusion?
My father is suffering from a kidney infection that is causing his kidney function to suffer. Since then, he has also been very confused. Could this cause confusion in his mind?
4 Answers
He must has some other problems. You have to take him to have a whole physical exam.
Other reasons for altered mental status need to be ruled out before ascribing “confusion” to a lower or upper urinary tract infection. If he has frank pyelonephritis he would systemically ill and likely require admission for imaging and to tailor antibiotics.
Infections in the elderly can cause confusion. Advanced kidney disease (<10%-15% function) can cause confusion and in more advanced stages can result in coma, these problems could indicate need to initiate renal replacement therapy.
Yes