Acute Kidney Injury: Recognizing the Signs
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a sudden drop in kidney function that can develop within a few hours or days. It is a serious medical condition that needs immediate attention. If not treated in time, it can lead to long-term kidney damage or even kidney failure. The good news is that AKI is often reversible when diagnosed early. Knowing the warning signs can help save lives. In this blog, we’ll help you understand how to identify the symptoms of AKI, what causes it, and how it can be treated at top multispecialty hospitals. For those looking for the best treatment for acute kidney injury, trusted centres like Apex Hospital, known as one of the Best Hospitals in PCMC, Pune, offer advanced care and diagnostic services. Early medical care can make a big difference—so let’s learn how to spot the signs before it’s too late.
What is Acute Kidney Injury?
AKI occurs when the kidneys suddenly stop filtering waste from the blood. This leads to a dangerous buildup of toxins, electrolytes, and fluids in the body. It can develop within hours or days and is often linked to:
- Severe dehydration
- Infections (e.g., sepsis)
- Medications (e.g., painkillers, antibiotics)
- Blockages in the urinary tract (e.g., kidney stones)
Signs of Acute Kidney Injury:
Watch for these symptoms, especially if you have diabetes, hypertension, or a history of kidney issues:
- Reduced Urine Output: Passing little or no urine despite drinking fluids.
- Swelling: Puffiness in the legs, ankles, or face due to fluid retention.
- Fatigue & Weakness: Caused by toxin buildup in the blood.
- Nausea/Vomiting: Loss of appetite and frequent vomiting.
- Shortness of Breath: Fluid accumulation in the lungs.
- Confusion: Electrolyte imbalances affecting brain function
If you notice these symptoms, consult a kidney expert doctor in PCMC or Pune immediately.
Causes of AKI:
AKI is categorized into three types:
- Prerenal: Low blood flow (dehydration, heart failure, liver disease)
- Renal: Direct kidney damage (infections, toxins, medications like NSAIDs)
- Postrenal: Urinary blockages (enlarged prostate, kidney stones, bladder obstruction)
Why Timely Treatment Matters:
Delaying treatment can turn AKI into chronic kidney disease (CKD) or even kidney failure. Hospitals like Apex Hospital in Pune have acute kidney injury specialists in Kalewadi and nephrologists who use advanced methods to restore kidney function quickly.
Treatment Options for AKI at Apex Hospital:
Laser Kidney Stone Treatment in PCMC:
Kidney stones are a leading cause of postrenal AKI. Apex Hospital offers minimally invasive solutions:
- Laser Lithotripsy: A ureteroscope with laser fiber breaks stones into dust, which passes naturally in urine.
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Sound waves fragment stones without surgery.
- PCNL: For large stones, a small incision removes stones directly.
Recovery time is 1–2 days, with high success rates.
Medications:
To control blood pressure, reduce swelling, or treat infections.
Dialysis:
Temporarily filters blood if kidneys aren’t functioning.
Fluid Management:
IV fluids to correct dehydration or balance electrolytes.
For complex cases, visit the best urologist in PCMC or nephrologists at Apex Hospital for personalized care.
How to Prevent Acute Kidney Injury:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink 3–4 liters of water daily. Clear urine = good hydration.
- Limit Salt & Oxalate-Rich Foods: Avoid spinach, nuts, and processed snacks.
- Monitor Medications: Consult doctors before using painkillers or supplements.
- Regular Checkups: Vital for those with diabetes or hypertension.
How is Acute Kidney Injury Diagnosed?
At Apex Hospital, diagnosing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) involves a careful and step-by-step approach. Our doctors use clinical checks, lab tests, and imaging to find out if your kidneys are affected. Here’s how it is done:
Clinical Evaluation:
- Patient History: Doctors ask about your medical history, including any medications you’re taking and recent illnesses.
- Physical Examination: They check your body for signs of dehydration or fluid buildup, which can indicate kidney problems.
Laboratory Tests:
- Blood Tests: These measure levels of waste products like creatinine and urea in your blood. High levels suggest kidney issues.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Checks for symptoms of infection or inflammation.
- Electrolytes: Measures levels of important minerals like calcium and phosphate.
- Urine Tests:
- Urinalysis: Checks for abnormalities in urine, such as protein or blood.
- Urine Electrolytes: This helps determine if the kidneys are working properly by measuring sodium and other minerals.
Imaging Tests:
- Ultrasound: Helps doctors see the kidneys and check for blockages or other problems.
- CT Scan: Useful for detecting issues like kidney stones or blood vessel blockages.
- Kidney Biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of kidney tissue is taken for further examination.
Urine Output Measurement:
- Doctors measure how much urine you produce over a set period. Low urine output can indicate AKI.
At Apex Hospital, we believe early diagnosis of AKI is the key to faster recovery. With the help of advanced technology and experienced specialists, we ensure timely treatment to protect your kidneys and avoid long-term complications.
Act Fast to Protect Your Kidney Health:
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a medical emergency, but timely action can prevent long-term damage. If you notice symptoms like reduced urine, swelling, fatigue, or breathlessness, rush to Apex Hospital – a leading multispeciality hospital in Thergaon, Pune – for immediate care. Our team of top nephrologists, urologists, and acute kidney injury specialists uses advanced tools like laser kidney stone treatment, dialysis, and personalized medication to restore kidney function swiftly. With 24/7 emergency services and modern facilities, Apex Hospital ensures accurate diagnosis and the best treatment for AKI in Pune. Don’t ignore the signs – early intervention saves lives. For consultations or queries, call 98341 50838 today. Trust Pune’s trusted kidney expert doctors to guide you toward a faster, healthier recovery. Your kidneys deserve the best care!
