What is acute kidney injury, and what are the causes?

In this article below, highly experienced and reputable consultant nephrologist, Mr Rhys Evans, discusses acute kidney injury, as he outlines the associated symptoms and causes, whilst also detailing the diagnosis and treatment.

What is acute kidney injury?

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden reduction in kidney function that occurs within a few hours or a few days. AKI can cause 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 can also affect other organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs.

What are the main associated symptoms?

Often patients with AKI have few symptoms unless the condition is severe. Symptoms may relate to the underlying cause of AKI. Symptoms of AKI itself may include:

• A reduction in the amount of urine being produced
• Swelling in legs, ankles, and around the eyes
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Seizures or coma in severe cases

What are the main causes of AKI?

AKI can have many different causes. It can be caused by decreased blood flow and perfusion of the kidneys, medications, or other substances that are toxic to the kidneys, medical conditions that lead to direct damage of the kidneys, or obstruction to urinary flow. Risk factors for its development include increased age, diabetes, high blood pressure, pre-existing chronic kidney disease, and liver or heart disease.

How is AKI diagnosed?

Diagnosis of AKI is based on a reduction in urine output and blood tests that measure kidney function.

How is AKI treated?

The most important thing is to quickly identify and treat the underlying cause of AKI. Alongside this, treatments to support kidney function may be needed. These include appropriate hydration with oral or intravenous fluids, and medications that help to correct electrolyte levels in the blood. In severe cases, treatment of AKI requires hospitalization until recovery, and dialysis may be needed to remove toxins from the blood.

What is the best way to reduce my risk of suffering an acute kidney injury?

To reduce the risk of AKI, it is recommended to manage any existing kidney or other chronic health problems appropriately and maintain a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and a healthy diet. Prior to taking any over-the-counter medications, always check these are safe for your kidneys and avoid taking long courses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs if possible. If you are at risk of AKI and you develop an acute illness, or if you have any symptoms of AKI, then see your doctor to get your kidney function checked.

If you wish to book an appointment with Mr Rhys Evans today, just visit his Top Doctors profile.