What is Acute Kidney Injury?
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden decline in kidney function that typically occurs over hours to days. It can affect the kidneys' ability to:
- Filter waste products from blood
- Balance body fluids
- Control blood pressure
- Produce red blood cells
Common Causes
Pre-renal Causes
- Severe dehydration
- Blood loss
- Heart failure
- Low blood pressure
Intrinsic Renal Causes
- Medications (especially NSAIDs)
- Infections
- Severe inflammation
- Direct kidney injury
Post-renal Causes
- Urinary tract obstruction
- Kidney stones
- Enlarged prostate
Signs and Symptoms
- Decreased urine output
- Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Chest pain or pressure
Diagnosis
Laboratory Tests
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- Serum creatinine
- Electrolyte levels
- Complete blood count
Imaging
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
- MRI (in specific cases)
Treatment Options
-
Treating Underlying Cause
- Removing harmful medications
- Treating infections
- Relieving obstruction
-
Supportive Care
- IV fluids
- Medication adjustments
- Dietary modifications
-
Dialysis (if necessary)
- Temporary support
- Usually discontinued when kidney function improves
Prevention
- Stay well-hydrated
- Avoid nephrotoxic medications
- Manage chronic conditions
- Regular medical check-ups
Recovery and Prognosis
Most cases of AKI are reversible with proper treatment. Recovery time varies from days to weeks, depending on:
- Underlying cause
- Overall health status
- Promptness of treatment
When to Seek Medical Care
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
- Significant decrease in urination
- Severe swelling
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Mental status changes