What Are the Symptoms of Acute Kidney Injury?
Your kidneys play a critical role in cleaning your blood as it moves through your body. Hundreds of thousands of “nephrons” filter excess fluid, waste products, and toxins, producing urine. Acute kidney injury is characterized by the sudden onset of kidney damage or failure, leaving your health at risk. Your trusted team at Texas Advanced Renal Health will provide the critical care needed to get your kidney health back on track.
Acute Kidney Injury – An Overview
Acute kidney injury (AKI), or acute renal failure (ARF), is sudden kidney damage or failure that occurs within a few hours or days. AKI can result in waste buildup in the blood and make it hard for the kidneys to filter excess fluids. Impaired kidney function can impact other organs, including the heart, lungs, and brain.
What Are the Causes of Acute Kidney Injury?
The leading cause of AKI is decreased blood flow to the kidneys, which may result from low blood pressure, shock, blood loss, severe diarrhea, severe dehydration, a heart attack, heart failure, liver failure, overuse of NSAIDs, severe allergic reactions, injuries, or major surgery. Other factors contributing to AKI include infections, inflammation of the blood vessels, damage to the kidney tubules, and conditions causing blockage of the urinary tract, such as kidney stones.
What Are the Risk Factors for Acute Kidney Injury?
Anyone can suffer from AKI. However, it is most common in patients in the hospital or intensive care units, especially older adults. Risk factors include chronic health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure, obesity, having protein in the urine, genetic kidney disorders, past kidney damage, and older age. Managing blood sugar and keeping blood pressure in check can help prevent AKI and keep your kidneys healthy.
What Are the Symptoms of Acute Kidney Injury?
AKI rarely shows symptoms until the condition has progressed to a late stage. However, tell-tale signs that should never be ignored are trouble urinating or a decrease in urine output.
Symptoms of AKI also include fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, confusion, chest pains, high blood pressure, itching, pain in the lower back, and swelling of the face, hands, or feet. Experiencing these symptoms does not necessarily mean a diagnosis of AKI. However, it warrants a visit to Texas Advanced Renal Health. The sooner AKI is treated, the better the outcomes.
How Is Acute Kidney Injury Treated?
AKI sometimes requires hospitalization. At Texas Advanced Renal Health, we start with determining the causes and severity of the condition. Treatments may include medications to balance electrolyte and fluid levels or control blood pressure. If AKI is severe and the kidneys stop working, dialysis for a short time will keep your blood free of toxins and excess fluids until the kidneys recover.
Our Texas Advanced Renal Health team will create a custom treatment plan to maintain your kidney health and prevent future damage. Make sure you take your prescribed medications, maintain a kidney-friendly diet, and exercise regularly. If you have any concerns at any time, contact our McKinney office right away.
Quality Kidney Care Near Me in McKinney, TX
Contact your experienced kidney care team at Texas Advanced Renal Health to learn more about managing acute kidney injury and maintaining long-term kidney health. We will evaluate your unique needs and outline your treatment options to keep your kidneys functioning their best. You can count on us for exceptional, compassionate care and service. Call 972-548-4833 to schedule your appointment today!