ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY

Acute Renal Failure Symptoms And Treatments In Richmond, Virginia

What is Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)?

Acute kidney injury, also known as acute renal failure (ARF), is a sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage that happens within a few hours or a few days. When your kidney is injured, it causes a build-up of waste products in your blood and makes it hard for your kidneys to keep the right balance of fluid in your body.

AKI is very serious and requires immediate treatment. Fortunately, AKI is often reversible if it is found and treated quickly by kidney specialists at Richmond Nephrology Associates. If you were healthy before your kidneys suddenly failed and you were treated for AKI right away, your kidneys may work normally or almost normally after your AKI is treated.

Acute kidney injury
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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Acute Kidney Injury?

In some cases, AKI causes no symptoms and is only found if other tests are done by a doctor. Signs and symptoms of AKI differ depending on the cause and may include:

  • Too little urine leaving the body

  • Swelling in legs, ankles and around the eyes

  • Fatigue or tiredness

  • Shortness of breath

  • Confusion

  • Nausea

  • Chest pain or pressure

  • Seizures or coma in severe cases

What Causes Acute Kidney Injury?

AKI can have many different causes. AKI often occurs with patients already in the hospital, but it can also be caused by the overuse of NSAID pain relievers, injury to the kidneys or the blockage of the urinary tract. 

What Is The Treatment For Acute Kidney Injury?

Treatment for AKI usually requires you to stay in a hospital. In more serious cases, dialysis may be needed to help replace kidney function until your kidneys recover. The main goal is to treat what is causing your AKI. The kidney specialists at Richmond Nephrology Associates will treat all of your symptoms and complications until your kidneys recover. After having AKI, your chances are higher for other health problems (such as kidney disease, stroke, heart disease) or having AKI again in the future.