Acute kidney injury

Your kidneys work hard to filter waste and extra fluids from your blood, keeping your body in balance. Acute kidney injury, sometimes called acute renal failure, is a sudden loss of kidney function. When this happens, waste products and fluids can build up quickly and may cause other serious health problems.

Acute kidney injury can happen for many reasons, such as a sudden drop in blood flow to the kidneys, severe infections, certain medications, or blockages in the urinary tract. This condition can develop rapidly and might not cause symptoms in its early stages, which is why it is important to be aware of signs like reduced urine output, swelling in the legs or ankles, confusion, nausea, or shortness of breath.

Treatment focuses on finding and treating the cause of the kidney injury. In some cases, your care team may need to use treatments like dialysis to help your body remove waste and fluids until your kidneys recover. Most people with acute kidney injury need close monitoring and support from their healthcare team. With timely care, many people can regain normal or improved kidney function, but ongoing follow-up is important for your overall health.

If you have questions or think you may have symptoms of acute kidney injury, a TidalHealth nephrologist can help you understand your condition and what steps to take next.

What is acute kidney injury?
Acute kidney injury is a sudden loss of kidney function. This means your kidneys are not able to filter waste and excess fluids from your blood as well as they should. It can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few hours or days.

What are the symptoms?
Signs of acute kidney injury may include reduced urine output, swelling in your legs or ankles, confusion, nausea, or shortness of breath. Sometimes, there may not be any symptoms in the early stages.

What causes acute kidney injury?
This condition can be caused by a sudden drop in blood flow to the kidneys, certain infections, some medications, or a blockage in the urinary tract. Your care team at TidalHealth can help find the exact cause and start the right treatment.

How is acute kidney injury treated?
Treatment focuses on addressing the cause of the kidney injury and supporting your kidneys while they recover. In some cases, dialysis may be needed to remove waste and excess fluid from your blood until your kidneys are working better.

Can acute kidney injury be prevented?
While some causes are difficult to avoid, keeping yourself hydrated, managing chronic health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure, and checking with your doctor before taking new medications can help lower your risk.