WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: 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. Acute kidney injury is usually temporary, but it may become a chronic kidney condition. What increases my 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 liquid
- 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 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 liquid to help your kidneys show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.
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 may be given to help your kidneys function better.
- 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 liquid for an x-ray or CT scan. Your healthcare provider may give you medicine to prevent kidney problems caused by the liquid.
Call 911 if: - You have sudden chest pain or trouble breathing.
When should I seek immediate care? - Your heart is beating faster than normal for you.
- You have a seizure.
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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