Acute Kidney Injury

What is Acute Kidney Disease?

Acute kidney disease (also called acute kidney injury or AKI) is a sudden decrease in kidney function that happens over a short period of time — hours to days. When your kidneys are working normally, they filter waste products and excess fluids from your blood.

In acute kidney disease, the kidneys suddenly lose their ability to do this job properly. This leads to the build-up of waste, salts, and fluids in the body, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Unlike chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury is often reversible if diagnosed and managed early.

What are the important causes of Acute Kidney Disease?

• Dehydration or severe loss of body fluids due to vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding

• Low blood pressure or poor blood flow to the kidneys (for example, during shock, heart failure, or major surgery)

• Kidney infections or inflammation (such as glomerulonephritis)

• Blockage of urine flow caused by kidney stones, enlarged prostate, or tumors

• Toxic injury to the kidneys from certain medicines (for example, some antibiotics, painkillers, or contrast dyes used in scans)

• Severe infections (sepsis) that affect the whole body and reduce kidney blood flow

What are the symptoms of Acute Kidney Disease?

• Sudden decrease in urine output or no urine at all

• Swelling in feet, ankles, or face

• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite

• Shortness of breath due to fluid overload

• Confusion or drowsiness

• Fatigue or weakness

• In some cases, pain in the flank or back

Is there anything I can do to prevent or recover from Acute Kidney Disease?

       Yes. Prevention and early treatment are very important to avoid permanent damage. You can protect your kidneys by:

• Drinking enough fluids, especially in hot weather or during illness

• Avoiding painkillers known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) unless prescribed by your doctor

• Treating infections promptly and completing your antibiotics course

• Keeping your blood pressure and blood sugar under good control

• Avoiding dehydration before or after major surgery, exercise, or fasting

• Informing your doctor about any kidney problems before having contrast scans or procedures

• Regularly following up with your doctor, especially if you have conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or previous kidney problems

In many cases, acute kidney disease can recover completely if the underlying cause is identified and treated early. However, if not managed in time, it may progress to chronic kidney disease.