Acute kidney failure, or AKI (Acute Kidney Injury), is a condition in which the kidneys suddenly lose their ability to filter waste and balance the body’s fluids and electrolytes.
Kidney failure can occur acutely, as described above, or chronically, which involves a gradual, progressive loss of kidney function over time.
In its acute stage, it can develop at an alarming rate, particularly in individuals who are already hospitalized or critically ill and requiring intensive care. However, with prompt and proper treatment, kidney damage can be reversible or at least successfully managed.
Causes of Acute Kidney Failure
The causes of acute kidney failure are divided into three primary categories:
- Prerenal Causes: Reduced blood flow to the kidneys diminishes their filtering capacity. This can be caused by severe dehydration, blood loss, or low blood pressure, among other factors.
- Renal (Intrinsic) Causes: Caused by direct damage to kidney tissue, affecting the tubules, glomeruli, or renal blood vessels. Common causes include severe infections, toxin-induced damage, allergic reactions, or autoimmune diseases.
- Postrenal Causes: Result from an obstruction in the urinary tract, which blocks urine flow and increases pressure within the kidneys. Conditions such as kidney stones, tumors, blood clots, or urinary tract scarring can trigger this.
Symptoms of Kidney Failure
A person with acute kidney failure may experience various symptoms, including:
- Decreased urine output or reduced frequency of urination
- Swelling (edema) in the legs, ankles, and feet
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion or disorientation
- Weakness
- Unexplained nausea
- Irregular heartbeat
If you notice one or more of these signs, it is vital to consult a nephrologist, who will determine the necessary diagnostic tests if kidney failure is suspected.
Risk Factors
It is also important to be aware of the key risk factors associated with this condition:
- Advanced age
- Peripheral artery disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Heart failure
- Existing kidney diseases
- Liver disease
In addition to the conditions listed above, medical issues that obstruct the flow of urine can also lead to kidney failure. Examples include an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, and various types of cancer (such as cervical, colon, bladder, or prostate cancer).
Complications
If left untreated, a case of acute kidney failure can lead to life-threatening complications and even death. These complications include:
- Fluid Retention: Acute kidney failure can cause fluid build-up in the lungs (pulmonary edema), leading to severe shortness of breath.
- Chest Pain: Inflammation of the lining surrounding the heart (pericarditis) can cause sharp chest pain.
- Muscle Weakness: Imbalances in body fluids and electrolytes (blood chemistry) can cause significant muscle weakness.
- Permanent Kidney Damage: Occasionally, acute kidney failure leads to a permanent loss of kidney function, resulting in chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal failure.
Preventing Acute Kidney Failure
To help protect your kidneys and ensure long-term health and quality of life, we recommend the following preventive steps:
- Pay attention to over-the-counter painkiller labels: Excessive use of pain relievers (such as NSAIDs) increases the risk of kidney injury, especially if you have pre-existing kidney damage, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Always use these medications under the guidance of a physician.
- Partner with your doctor: If you have an underlying condition that increases your risk of kidney failure, such as diabetes or hypertension, follow your medical provider’s recommendations carefully to reach your treatment goals.
- Prioritize a healthy lifestyle: Stay physically active, follow a balanced diet, and consume alcohol in moderation, if at all.
At the Internal Medicine Department at Centro Médico ABC, we provide specialized care and treatment. Contact us today!
Fuentes:
Medline Plus, MSD Manuals, Scielo
