Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common, occurring in more than 13 million people every year. You are more at risk for AKI if you are over 65 or have suffered from a long-term medical condition like kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes or obesity. However, AKI can also occur in healthy individuals, so it is important to understand the symptoms, causes and treatment options.

What is Acute Kidney Injury?

Acute kidney injury

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. 

Symptoms

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. It 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
  • 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.

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. Schedule an appointment with us immediately if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms!