What is an acute kidney injury?

An acute kidney injury describes a sudden event, within a few hours or days, that results in kidney damage or failure.

The failure of your kidneys to function properly causes a buildup of waste in your blood. Damaged kidneys also can’t keep the right fluid balance throughout your body, which can impact the function of your other organs, including your lungs, heart, and brain.

An acute kidney injury can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

• Direct trauma
• A heart attack
• Low blood pressure
• Urinary tract blockages

There is also an increased risk for acute kidney injury if you’re having surgery or you spend time in intensive care for another condition.

What are the symptoms of acute kidney injury?

An acute kidney injury can cause different symptoms in people depending on the root cause of the injury.

Some of the most common symptoms of this type of injury include:

• Nausea
• Confusion
• Chronic fatigue
• Less urine production
• Shortness of breath

You may also experience swelling in the legs, ankles, and around the eyes. In cases of severe kidney injury, you may have seizures or go into a coma.

How is an acute kidney injury diagnosed?

The team at Advanced Medical and Kidney Institute offers on-site diagnostic testing to quickly confirm an acute kidney injury.

Tests may include one or more of the following:

• Blood tests
• Ultrasound
• Urine output measurement
• Kidney biopsy

Once they identify the injury and evaluate your condition, the nephrology team creates a treatment plan that focuses on reducing further injury, easing your symptoms, and helping your kidneys recover.

How is an acute kidney injury treated?

The physicians at Advanced Medical and Kidney Institute offer comprehensive care for acute kidney injuries. For treating nephrotic syndrome and nephron syndrome, they use immune system suppressant therapy, which involves corticosteroids and other medications that reduce kidney inflammation.

With a serious injury, you may need dialysis to enhance your natural kidney function and help the organs recover from the injury.

The team also provides resources to prevent additional kidney injuries and complications, like kidney disease, heart disease, and stroke.

If you have symptoms of an acute kidney injury, don’t delay getting a diagnostic evaluation. You can call Advanced Medical and Kidney Institute or request an appointment online today.