Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious condition that can lead to long-term kidney damage and even death. It must be treated right away to restore normal kidney function and prevent long-term kidney damage.
This blog will provide you with a comprehensive overview of AKI, including the signs, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Continue reading to learn more.
Acute kidney injury (AKI), also known as acute renal failure (ARF), occurs when your kidneys suddenly stop working properly. It can range from a minor loss of kidney function to total kidney failure, which occurs within hours or days.
Normally, kidneys filter waste products and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. So in AKI, as the kidneys don’t function properly, it results in the buildup of waste products in your blood and a fluid imbalance in your body.
AKI can affect the function of other organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs. And hence, it is common for some patients with AKI to be hospitalised in intensive care in a critically ill state.
AKI may occur due to the following causes:
Certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors, diuretics, or NSAIDs, reduce blood pressure and affect the blood flow to the kidneys.
AKI can lead to complications like electrolyte imbalances, fluid overload, or a higher risk of cardiovascular events.
Mild cases of AKI may be asymptomatic, and you may be diagnosed when tested for another condition.
More severe forms of AKI, on the other hand, exhibit the following signs and symptoms:
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, contact your doctor.
If you are already in the hospital, inform your doctor or nurse if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Risk factors for AKI include age, pre-existing kidney disease and other comorbid conditions like diabetes and hypertension, certain medications, dehydration, sepsis, and certain medical procedures.
These risk factors can increase the risk of AKI by causing damage to the kidneys, reducing blood flow to the kidneys, obstructing the urine flow, or increasing the amount of toxins in the blood that the kidneys must filter.
AKI should be identified as soon as possible because it can result in acute renal failure or even chronic kidney disease.
The following tests may be performed depending on your clinical condition and the symptoms you are experiencing:
Treatment options for acute kidney failure typically include the following:
You may require treatments to ensure your body has the proper amount of fluid, salt, and nutrients until your kidneys can function normally again. These treatments may include medication as well as dietary changes.
People with an acute kidney injury must usually avoid or limit foods high in sodium (salt), potassium, and phosphorus. A dietitian can assist you in planning healthy meals that contain the appropriate amounts of each nutrient.
You may also need to limit the amount of water and fluid you consume each day.
The complications of AKI can include electrolyte imbalances, fluid overload, metabolic acidosis, anaemia, an increased risk of infection, and an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
In severe cases, it can lead to kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Yes, preventive measures can help reduce the risk of AKI. These measures include the following:
Additionally, regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help identify any potential risk factors for AKI.
Seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of acute kidney injury, such as decreased urine output, swelling, fatigue, or confusion.
As you recover from a kidney injury, you will undergo additional lab tests. This will enable your doctor to keep track of how well your kidneys are functioning.
Even though it may be challenging to predict or prevent AKI, leading a healthy lifestyle and caring for your kidneys can be beneficial. Consult your doctor about how to prevent AKI if you suffer from any of these conditions.
About Author –
Dr. Mamidi Pranith Ram, Consultant Nephrologist and Renal Transplant Physician, Yashoda Hospitals – Hyderabad
MBBS, MD, DM (Nephrology)
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