Acute Kidney Injury
GENERAL
INFORMATION:
What is
acute kidney injury? Acute
kidney injury, also called acute kidney failure, happens when your kidneys
suddenly stop working correctly. Normally, the kidneys remove fluid, chemicals,
and waste from your blood. These wastes are turned into urine by your kidneys.
In acute kidney injury, your kidneys can no longer do this. In most cases, it
is temporary, but it may become a chronic kidney condition.
What
increases the risk for acute kidney injury?
- Severe illness, infection, or
sepsis (severe infection)
- History of kidney injury,
infection, stones, or other kidney disease
- Medicines such as diuretics,
antibiotics, or NSAIDs
- Exposure to chemicals, such as
illegal drugs or contrast dye
- Severe bleeding from surgery or
injury
- Dehydration caused by burns,
vomiting, or diarrhea
- Medical conditions such as
diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune disease, or liver problems
What are
the signs and symptoms of acute kidney injury?
- Decreased urination or
dark-colored urine
- Swelling in your arms, legs, or
feet
- Abdominal or low back pain
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of
appetite
- Fatigue
- Skin rash
How is
acute kidney injury diagnosed?
- Blood and urine tests show how well your kidneys are
working. They may also show the cause of your acute kidney injury.
- An x-ray or ultrasound may show the cause of your
acute kidney injury. You may be given contrast dye to help your kidneys
show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have
ever had an allergic reaction to contrast dye.
How is
acute kidney injury treated? Treatment
depends upon the cause of your acute kidney injury and how severe it is. You
may need the following:
- Medicines increase blood flow to your
kidneys and protect your kidneys. You may also need medicine to decrease
inflammation in your kidneys.
- IV fluids are given to replenish fluids
and help your heart pump blood.
- Dialysis is a treatment to remove
chemicals and waste from your blood when your kidneys cannot.
Do I need
to change what I eat and drink? Your
healthcare provider may tell you to eat food low in sodium (salt), potassium,
phosphorus, or protein. You may need to see a dietitian if you need help
planning meals.
How can I
prevent acute kidney injury?
- Manage other health conditions such as diabetes, high blood
pressure, or heart disease. These conditions increase your risk for acute
kidney injury.
- Talk to your healthcare
provider before you take over-the-counter-medicine. NSAIDs, stomach medicine, or
laxatives may harm your kidneys and increase your risk for acute kidney
injury.
- Tell healthcare providers you
have had acute kidney injury before
you get contrast dye for an x-ray or CT scan. Your healthcare provider may
give you medicine to prevent kidney problems caused by the dye.
When
should I contact my healthcare provider?
- You urinate less than you
normally do.
- You have a fever.
- You have abdominal or low back
pain.
- Your skin is itchy or you have
a rash.
- You have nausea, vomit
repeatedly, or have severe diarrhea.
- You have fatigue or muscle
weakness.
- You have hiccups that will not
stop.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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