Health A-Z

Acute kidney failure, also known as acute kidney injury (AKI), is a sudden and rapid loss of kidney function, usually occurring over a period of hours to days. Here's an overview of the symptoms, treatment plan, and diagnosis testing for acute kidney failure.

1. Decreased Urine Output: One of the hallmark symptoms of acute kidney failure is a significant decrease in urine production or complete cessation of urine output.
2. Fluid Retention: Fluid retention may occur, leading to swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or face (edema).
3. Fatigue and Weakness: Individuals with acute kidney failure may experience fatigue, weakness, and lethargy due to buildup of waste products in the bloodstream and electrolyte imbalances.
4. Shortness of Breath: Excess fluid buildup in the body can lead to shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
5. Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are common symptoms of acute kidney failure.
6. Confusion and Altered Mental Status: Severe kidney dysfunction can affect brain function, leading to confusion, disorientation, and changes in mental status.
7. Chest Pain or Pressure: In some cases, individuals with acute kidney failure may experience chest pain or pressure, particularly if fluid overload leads to heart failure or pulmonary edema.

1. Identifying and Treating the Underlying Cause: The first step in managing acute kidney failure is identifying and addressing the underlying cause. Common causes include dehydration, decreased blood flow to the kidneys (prerenal AKI), kidney damage (intrinsic AKI), or urinary tract obstruction (postrenal AKI).
2. Fluid Management: Intravenous fluids may be administered to restore blood volume and improve kidney perfusion in cases of dehydration or hypovolemia. However, fluid administration must be carefully monitored to avoid fluid overload.
3. Electrolyte Management: Electrolyte imbalances, such as hyperkalemia (high potassium) or hyponatremia (low sodium), are common in acute kidney failure and require prompt correction.
4. Medications: Depending on the underlying cause and symptoms, medications may be prescribed to manage complications such as hypertension, electrolyte imbalances, or infections.
5. Dialysis: In severe cases of acute kidney failure, dialysis may be necessary to remove waste products and excess fluid from the bloodstream. Dialysis may be performed using hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, depending on the patient's condition and clinical needs.

1. Blood Tests: Blood tests such as serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and electrolyte levels are used to assess kidney function and detect signs of acute kidney injury.
2. Urinalysis: Urinalysis can provide information about kidney function and help identify underlying causes of acute kidney failure, such as urinary tract obstruction or kidney damage.
3. Imaging Studies: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be performed to evaluate the kidneys and urinary tract for signs of obstruction, inflammation, or structural abnormalities.
4. Renal Biopsy: In some cases, a renal biopsy may be performed to obtain a tissue sample from the kidney for further evaluation, particularly if the underlying cause of acute kidney failure is unclear or if chronic kidney disease is suspected.