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Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden drop in kidney function that happens over hours or days. Learn causes, symptoms, tests, and treatment in simple terms.
🩺 Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Explained
🩺 Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Explained
What Is Acute Kidney Injury?
What Is Acute Kidney Injury?
Acute kidney injury (AKI) means the kidneys suddenly stop working as well as they should.
“Acute” means it happens quickly – usually over:
Hours
Days
Or a few weeks
This is different from chronic kidney disease, which develops slowly over years.
AKI is a medical problem that often needs urgent attention.
What Happens During AKI?
What Happens During AKI?
When AKI occurs:
Waste builds up in the blood
Fluid can build up in the body
Electrolytes can become unbalanced
The kidneys cannot filter normally
Most importantly:
👉 AKI can often be reversible if treated early.
What Causes Acute Kidney Injury?
What Causes Acute Kidney Injury?
AKI usually happens for one of three main reasons:
1. Not Enough Blood Flow to the Kidneys
1. Not Enough Blood Flow to the Kidneys
(called “pre-renal” causes)
This can happen from:
Severe dehydration
Heavy bleeding
Very low blood pressure
Heart failure
Severe infections (sepsis)
Shock
2. Direct Damage to the Kidneys
2. Direct Damage to the Kidneys
(called “intrinsic” causes)
Examples include:
Severe infections
Certain medications
Contrast dye from imaging tests
Autoimmune diseases
Toxins
Muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)
3. Blockage of Urine Flow
3. Blockage of Urine Flow
(called “post-renal” causes)
Such as:
Kidney stones
Enlarged prostate
Tumors
Severe bladder problems
What Are the Symptoms?
What Are the Symptoms?
AKI symptoms can include:
Decreased urine output
Swelling in legs or face
Sudden weight gain from fluid
Fatigue
Confusion
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Sometimes there are no clear symptoms, and AKI is only found on blood tests.
How Is AKI Diagnosed?
How Is AKI Diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose AKI using:
Blood Tests
Blood Tests
Rising creatinine levels
High BUN
Electrolyte changes
Urine Tests
Urine Tests
Abnormal urine output
Urinalysis changes
Imaging
Imaging
Kidney ultrasound to check for blockages
AKI is usually diagnosed when kidney test numbers change suddenly compared to previous results.
How Is AKI Treated?
How Is AKI Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause.
Common treatments include:
IV fluids for dehydration
Stopping harmful medications
Treating infections
Fixing low blood pressure
Relieving blockages
Correcting electrolyte problems
In severe cases:
Temporary dialysis may be needed until kidneys recover.
Can the Kidneys Recover From AKI?
Can the Kidneys Recover From AKI?
Often – yes.
Many people recover most or all kidney function once the underlying problem is fixed.
However:
Some people have permanent damage
AKI can increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease later
Early treatment makes recovery much more likely.
When Is AKI an Emergency?
When Is AKI an Emergency?
Seek urgent medical care if you have:
Very little or no urine
Sudden swelling
Severe weakness or confusion
Chest pain or shortness of breath
Rapidly rising creatinine levels
AKI can become dangerous quickly without treatment
AKI vs CKD – What’s the Difference?
AKI vs CKD – What’s the Difference?
This chart compares Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). It shows that AKI happens suddenly over hours or days and is often reversible, while CKD develops slowly over months or years and is usually permanent. The table highlights key differences in timing, causes, and recovery potential between the two conditions.
Important Takeaway
Important Takeaway
Acute kidney injury is serious, but it is often treatable and reversible when caught early.
Prompt medical care can protect the kidneys from long-term harm.
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