Acute Kidney Injury – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
If your kidneys suddenly stop functioning as they should, it might be more serious than you think. In this article, we’ll walk you through what acute kidney injury (AKI) is, its symptoms, common causes, how it’s diagnosed and treated, and what to expect during recovery.
At Urology of Greater Atlanta, our board-certified specialists provide expert kidney care throughout multiple locations in Georgia. If you suspect signs of kidney trouble, don’t wait—contact our team today for prompt, professional care.
What is Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)?
Acute kidney injury, also called acute kidney failure, happens when your kidneys suddenly lose the ability to filter waste products from your blood. This leads to dangerous levels of waste building up in your body, disturbing the delicate balance of fluids and electrolytes.
This condition can occur over just a few hours or days and often develops as a complication of another serious illness. Unlike chronic kidney disease, which progresses slowly over time, AKI appears suddenly and requires immediate medical attention.
Who’s at Risk of Getting Acute Kidney Injury?
Some people are more at risk for developing acute kidney injury than others. The most vulnerable include:
- Hospitalized patients, especially those in intensive care
- Individuals with diabetes or chronic kidney disease
- Older adults with decreased kidney function
- People taking certain blood pressure medicines or diuretics
- Those with heart or liver problems, including heart failure
- Individuals with blockages in the urinary tract
If you’ve recently experienced blood loss, severe dehydration, or blood in urine, it could indicate potential kidney damage. In such cases, check out our page on blood in urine for more information about when to seek care.
What Are the Symptoms of AKI?
Acute kidney injury symptoms can vary from mild to severe depending on the underlying cause and your overall health. Common signs include:
- Decreased urine output
- Swelling in legs, ankles, or around the eyes
- Fatigue or confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Chest pain or pressure
- Seizures or coma in extreme cases
Some people may not show obvious symptoms right away, which is why monitoring urine output and kidney-related lab values is crucial in high-risk patients.
What Causes Acute Kidney Injury?
AKI can result from several different causes, grouped into three main categories:
- Reduced blood flow to the kidneys from low blood pressure, dehydration, blood loss, heart conditions, or sepsis.
- Direct damage to the kidneys due to inflammation, infection, toxins, medications, or autoimmune diseases.
- Obstruction in the urinary tract such as kidney stones, enlarged prostate, blood clots, or tumors blocking the flow of urine.
Sometimes, multiple factors contribute to acute renal failure, making diagnosis and treatment more complex.
Complications of Acute Kidney Injury
Without timely treatment, acute kidney failure can lead to serious complications, including:
- Fluid buildup, causing swelling and difficulty breathing
- Elevated potassium levels, which may trigger heart arrhythmias
- Permanent kidney damage, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant
- Development of end-stage renal disease
- Death, particularly in critically ill or elderly patients
Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent long-term effects on your health.
How Acute Kidney Injury Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will perform several tests to evaluate your kidney function:
- Blood tests to measure creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and electrolyte levels
- Urine tests to check protein levels, appearance, and urine output
- Imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans to identify blockages or abnormalities
- In some cases, a kidney biopsy might be necessary to determine the underlying cause
The team at Urology of Greater Atlanta uses state-of-the-art tools and technologies to ensure accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.
Treatment for Acute Kidney Injury
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the acute kidney injury. In many cases, addressing the root issue can help your kidneys recover. Common treatment strategies include:
- IV Fluids or Diuretics: If AKI is due to dehydration or low blood flow, IV fluids help restore balance. If fluid builds up, causing swelling in the arms or legs, diuretics may be used to help the body eliminate excess fluid.
- Potassium Management: Damaged kidneys may not filter potassium properly. In such cases, medications like potassium binders (e.g., Lokelma or Veltassa) can help prevent dangerous potassium buildup, which can lead to irregular heartbeats or muscle weakness.
- Calcium Infusions: Low calcium levels may require intravenous calcium to restore balance and prevent complications.
- Dialysis (Hemodialysis): In more severe cases, dialysis may be needed to remove waste, excess fluids, and potassium from the blood while the kidneys recover. This process uses a machine to filter the blood through a device called a dialyzer, temporarily taking over the kidneys’ function.
Our board-certified urologists at Urology of Greater Atlanta are equipped to provide tailored treatments and ongoing support to help you recover safely from acute renal failure.
Take Control of Your Kidney Health
If you’re experiencing signs of acute kidney injury, don’t wait until it becomes a serious emergency. AKI can be life-threatening—but with early diagnosis and the right treatment, recovery is possible.
Our team at Urology of Greater Atlanta provides expert care for all types of kidney disease. Whether you need a consultation, diagnosis, or long-term treatment, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our multiple Georgia locations and take the first step toward protecting your kidney health!
