The kidneys perform a lot of different functions in the body, and it can take a lot for them to stop working suddenly. When this does happen, it can be a matter of days or hours for them to fail completely. What causes kidney injury, exactly? What happens when the kidneys fail? Let’s talk about the biggest causes of acute kidney injury and what symptoms to be on the lookout for.
If you are worried about the state of your kidneys, you can reach out to your local internist in Los Angeles to schedule a personal health consultation right away.
Renal failure, commonly referred to as acute kidney injury, is an extreme and sudden condition in which the kidneys stop working properly. Since the kidneys’ main responsibility is to get rid of waste products while balancing the amount of water and salt in the body, it can be a big problem when this responsibility is not carried out. Waste and other products can quickly build up in other parts of the body, which can have fatal side effects. Understanding the causes and leading symptoms of this condition can help you prevent the worst consequences.
It is important to visit your doctor to determine the exact cause of kidney injury. For the most part, there are three major causes that you could be diagnosed with:
Certain medications can damage the kidneys when taken over the long term. Additionally, those dealing with other medical conditions are more likely to develop kidney issues. Certain antibiotics and pain medications can cause kidney failure. ACE inhibitors must be taken carefully as they can cause the kidneys to work overtime to process waste.
If your kidneys are suddenly not receiving the amount of blood that they normally do, you could be suffering from an infection or injury. Conditions like sepsis occur when kidneys cannot properly process waste and it starts to spread toxicity through the body. Increased dehydration can also produce this same result.
Conditions like kidney stones and some tumors can block urine from properly entering and exiting the kidneys. This blockage builds up over time, making your insides an increasingly dangerous situation.
There are many signs that you should seek treatment from your doctor right away. While it can vary from person to person, the most common symptoms include:
Your kidney specialist can prescribe the best treatment to solve whatever problem is causing your kidneys to be severely injured. Some treatments may require a blood transfusion or a bypass to remove the blockage in your urinary tract. More serious cases of kidney failure may require dialysis to keep your kidneys from complete failure.
Your kidneys serve many essential functions for processing waste in the body. When something goes wrong, you tend to notice it right away. Get the best in kidney diagnosis and treatment when you visit our acute kidney injury specialist in Los Angeles today. Whether due to a current medication or a preexisting condition, your kidneys may be at risk for injury and eventual failure. The sooner you get on treatment, the better chances you have of keeping your kidneys healthy for many years to come. Contact Dr. Gura today and schedule a personal consultation to stay on top of your health ASAP.
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