Acute kidney failure is rapid, typically progressing in less than 2 days. When the kidneys can’t remove waste, fluid and electrolyte balance in your body is disrupted. There are numerous causes of acute kidney injury as well as symptoms associated with the condition. Early warning signs include low urine output, swelling, and nausea.
Those with acute kidney injury should seek help right away. If you experience symptoms related to the condition, do not wait to see a doctor. Damage to the kidneys can lead to serious health concerns, including seizures and heart murmurs.
Tests for Acute Kidney Injury
Thankfully, those experiencing early warning signs of acute kidney injury can inform a doctor who can perform a variety of tests. A healthcare provider can examine you to determine how well your kidneys are working. Tests doctors may perform include creatinine clearance, urinalysis, serum creatinine, serum and electrolyte levels, and BUN (blood urea nitrogen).
To find the underlying cause of kidney failure, doctors may perform other tests. Some tests are better for diagnosing urinary tract blockages. If you have a blockage, you may need a CT scan, X-ray, or MRI of the abdomen.
Causes of Acute Kidney Failure
According to MedlinePlus, many possible causes of kidney damage exist. Some of the causes of acute kidney failure consist of the following:
- Medicines including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), certain antibiotics, blood pressure medications, cancer and HIV medicines
- Urinary tract blockage
- Decreased blood flow due to low blood pressure, which can result from dehydration, burns, injury, surgery, or septic shock
- Autoimmune kidney disease
- Pregnancy complications
- Disorders that cause clotting within the kidney blood vessels
- Acute tubular necrosis, known as damage to the tubule cells of the kidneys
- Blood clot in the blood vessels to the kidneys
- Infections that directly injure the kidney
- Illicit drugs such as heroin and cocaine
- Decreased blood flow from cholesterol
These are reasons acute kidney failure can occur. The kidney’s inability to remove waste damages the body and can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of Acute Kidney Failure
When acute kidney failure begins, it can cause many symptoms. Symptoms range from moderate to severe and include:
- High blood pressure
- Swelling in the ankles, legs, or feet
- Persistent hiccups
- Blood in the urine or stools
- Heart murmur
- Shortness of breath
- Bruising easily
- Nosebleeds
- Seizures
- Breath odor
- Hand tremor
- Prolonged bleeding
- Changes in mental status or mood
- Loss of appetite
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Urinary changes
- Nausea
- Flank pain
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Loss of sensation in the hands or feet
If you experience any of the above symptoms, see a doctor right away. Once the cause is found, a doctor will work with you to find the best treatment option for you. Doctors will work with you to find ways to prevent fluid and waste from building up in the body. Additionally, you must stop the buildup of toxins in the body. Because of this, you may need to follow a strict diet low in protein, potassium, and salt.
See a Kidney Specialist
Dr. Victor Gura, MD, is a world-renowned board-certified internist and nephrologist. A top-notch kidney specialist, Dr. Gura offers patients a wide range of treatment options using advanced techniques. Patients who see Dr. Gura may have a general physical exam or follow treatment plans for conditions such as high blood pressure or acute kidney injury.
If you are suffering from chronic kidney disease or experiencing health issues that affect the kidneys, consider your options when you speak with our kidney specialist. Schedule a consultation today to speak with our team of professionals, who can learn more about your health issue, provide solutions, and explain treatment options.