Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney damage occurs when the kidneys are abruptly unable to filter waste materials from the bloodstream. When the kidneys are unable to filter waste, dangerous levels of waste can accumulate. The chemical constitution of the blood may become imbalanced. Acute renal damage was previously known as acute kidney failure. Acute kidney injury is most common in persons who are in the hospital, particularly those who require intensive care. Acute kidney injuries can range from moderate to severe. If severe, persistent, and untreated, it can be fatal. However, it is also reversible. People who are otherwise healthy may regain normal or near-normal renal function.

Symptoms

Symptoms of acute kidney injury can include:

• Less urine output.
• Fluid buildup can result in shortness of breath and swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet.
• Tiredness.
• Confusion or fogginess.
• Nausea.
• Pain in the belly or in the side below the rib cage.
• Weakness.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Itching.
• Loss of appetite.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Seizures or coma in severe cases.

Sometimes acute kidney damage produces no symptoms. Then it may be discovered via lab examinations for something else.

Causes

Acute kidney injury may occur when:

• You have a condition that reduces blood flow to your kidneys.
• You have damaged your kidneys.
• The urine drainage tubes in your kidneys, known as ureters, become blocked.

Diagnosis

You may have the following tests to diagnose acute kidney injury:

• Blood tests. Your blood may indicate rapidly growing amounts of urea and creatinine. This demonstrates how your kidneys are performing.
• Urine output measures. Measuring the amount of urine you pass in 24 hours may help you determine the reason for your kidney failure.
• Urine tests. A sample of your urine may reveal information about a disorder that could explain renal failure. This process is known as urinalysis.
• Imaging tests. Imaging tests, such as ultrasounds and CT scans, can reveal your kidneys.
• Removing a sample of kidney tissue for testing. Your doctor may recommend removing a tiny sample of kidney tissue for laboratory testing. This procedure is known as a biopsy. A needle inserted through your skin and into your kidney removes the sample.

Treatment

The most common treatment for acute renal damage is hospitalization. The majority of persons who have had an acute kidney injury have already been hospitalized. The length of your hospital stay is determined by the cause of your acute kidney injury and the rate at which your kidneys recover. The first step in treating acute kidney injury is to identify the sickness or injury that caused the kidney damage. Your treatment will be determined by the underlying cause. It can entail discontinuing a medication that harms your kidneys. Your healthcare team also tries to avoid complications and allow your kidneys to heal. Treatments for preventing problems include:

• Treatments to restore fluid equilibrium in your blood. If your acute kidney injury is caused by a lack of fluids in your blood, you may require fluids administered through a vein, known as intravenous (IV).

If an acute kidney injury leads you to retain too much fluid, you may have swelling in your arms and legs. Then you may need diuretics, which cause your body to excrete excess fluids.

• Medicines to control blood potassium levels. Your kidneys may not be able to adequately filter potassium from your blood. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and other bodily functions.

To prevent potassium buildup, you may need to take potassium binders. These include sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (Lokelma) and patiromer (Veltassa). Too much potassium in the blood can lead to irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) and muscle weakness.

• Medicines for restoring blood calcium levels.
• Treatment for removing poisons from your bloodstream.

Prevention

You may reduce your risk of acute kidney injury by caring for your kidneys. Try this:

• Severe infections should be treated as soon as possible.
• Manage your kidney and other chronic conditions with the help of your healthcare team.

If you have risk factors for renal disease, consult your healthcare provider to ensure that the prescription medications you take are safe for your kidneys.

• Examine the labels of any over-the-counter pain relievers you take.
• Maintain a healthy way of living.

Home remedies and lifestyle

A particular diet can help your kidneys recover from acute renal damage and decrease the amount of work they have to do. Your healthcare staff may refer you to a dietician. A nutritionist can assess your diet and recommend strategies to make it easier on your kidneys. Your dietitian might suggest that you:

• Choose foods low in potassium. These include apples, peaches, carrots, green beans, white bread, and white rice. Eat them instead of foods high in potassium. These include potatoes, bananas, tomatoes, oranges, legumes, and nuts.
• Avoid eating items with extra salt. This covers a wide variety of packaged goods, including frozen dinners, canned soups, and fast food. Other foods with added salt include salty snacks, canned veggies, and processed meats and cheeses.
• Limit your intake of phosphorus. Foods containing phosphorus include dark-colored drinks, milk, oats, and bran cereals. Too much phosphorous in your blood can weaken your bones and make your skin itch.
• As your kidneys improve, you may no longer require a particular diet. However, healthy nutrition is crucial.

Conclusion

Acute kidney injury is a critical medical illness that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment to avoid consequences. Understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms, and obtaining timely medical assistance are critical to achieving beneficial results. Individuals can take proactive actions to safeguard their kidney function and lower the risk of AKI by making lifestyle changes, managing their medical conditions, or seeking supportive care. For information, visit SHALBY Sanar International Hospitals in Gurugram.