Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a condition in which the kidneys suddenly stop working properly and usually occurs within a short time. The effects can range from mild impairment of kidney function to complete kidney failure.
This kidney damage is very common in patients who have already been hospitalised, especially those who are in poor condition and require intensive care. We must understand the causes of AKI as early detection and appropriate treatment can facilitate recovery.
Famous doctor Sujith Chatterjee said that a diagnosis can be made based on medical history, that is, physical symptoms, medical conditions and recent events that may have contributed to kidney damage. A physical examination can help detect fluid retention, low urine output or other signs of kidney failure, he said.
To determine how well your kidneys are functioning, blood tests are done to measure creatinine and urea nitrogen levels. Urine tests may also be done to assess kidney health. In some cases, imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan may be done to look for structural abnormalities or blockages in the urinary tract.
Causes of AKI:
Reduced blood flow to the kidneys- This can occur due to dehydration, low blood pressure or heart failure.
Direct damage to the kidneys- Infections, certain medications, poisons or contrast dyes used in medical imaging procedures can directly damage the kidneys.
Kidney diseases- Conditions such as glomerulonephritis or interstitial nephritis can affect the functioning of the kidneys.
Urinary tract blockage- Blockages such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can cause blockage of the urinary tract. This can lead to AKI.
In severe AKI, dialysis may be used to filter waste from the blood until kidney function returns to normal. Regular follow-up tests and appointments should be kept to assess the extent of damage and treat the condition accordingly.
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