Acute kidney injury

  

Acute kidney injury is a group of symptoms characterized by a rapid decline in kidney function within hours or days, typically not exceeding 7 days. The main causes are shock or low blood pressure, leading to the accumulation of waste products in the blood, abnormalities in minerals and fluids in the body, and a reduced immune response. Prompt and appropriate diagnosis and care can help the kidneys return to normal function.

Symptoms of acute kidney injury:

• Decreased urine output: Some individuals may not urinate at all, or urinate less than 400 milliliters per day.
• Swelling of the arms and legs.
• Easy fatigue and weakness, even without exertion.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Confusion and lethargy.

Causes of acute kidney injury:

• Decreased fluid volume in the body: such as from severe diarrhea, significant blood loss from gastrointestinal bleeding or internal organs, or sudden blood loss from trauma.
• Sudden low or high blood pressure.
• Medications or toxins, including dietary supplements and herbal remedies.
• Acute glomerulonephritis, caused by medications, infections, or autoimmune disorders attacking kidney tissue.
• Obstruction of the urinary tract, such as from kidney stones, enlarged prostate gland, or bilateral kidney swelling.
• Infection in the bloodstream.

Treatment:

• Address the underlying cause, such as discontinuing medications that may be causing the issue and ensuring adequate hydration in cases of fluid deficit or shock.
• Control blood pressure to normal levels.
• Avoid nephrotoxic substances and adjust medication dosages accordingly.
• Manage with renal replacement therapy in cases where the kidneys are unable to function properly, especially if there are severe electrolyte imbalances or pulmonary edema.