Acute Kidney Injury
Acute Kidney Injury
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) happens when the kidneys suddenly lose their ability to function properly. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt attention.
Read our guide to: Acute Kidney Injury
Acute Kidney Injury
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) happens when the kidneys suddenly lose their ability to function properly. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt attention.
Treatment and Care Options
Treatment for AKI depends entirely on the underlying cause. Care usually involves supporting kidney function while treating the original problem. This often includes intravenous (IV) fluids to maintain blood pressure, medications to manage fluid balance, or sometimes, dialysis if the kidneys cannot filter waste on their own. It is a medical emergency that requires hospitalization and close monitoring.
What Causes this Condition?
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) occurs when the kidneys rapidly lose their ability to filter waste from the blood. The root causes are often related to sudden drops in blood pressure, severe infections, or medications.
- Severe dehydration or blood loss (reducing blood flow to the kidneys)
- Heart failure or septic shock (poor circulation to the kidneys)
- Certain medications or toxins (damage directly to the kidney tissue)