Acute & Chronic Kidney Failure - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment by Dr. Samridhi Gupta

Kidney failure occurs when your kidneys can no longer adequately remove waste products and excess fluid from your body. This can happen suddenly (acute) or gradually over time (chronic), each with distinct causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) / Acute Kidney Failure

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), also known as acute kidney failure, is a sudden and often temporary loss of kidney function. It can develop rapidly, sometimes within hours or days, and can be life-threatening. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for recovery.

Causes of AKI:

Pre-renal causes: Conditions that reduce blood flow to the kidneys, such as severe dehydration, blood loss, heart failure, or certain medications.
Intra-renal causes: Direct damage to the kidneys themselves, including glomerulonephritis, acute tubular necrosis (ATN), or exposure to toxins and certain drugs.
Post-renal causes: Obstructions in the urinary tract that prevent urine from leaving the body, such as kidney stones, enlarged prostate, or tumors.

Symptoms of AKI:

Decreased urine output (oliguria), though sometimes urine output remains normal.
Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet (edema).
Fatigue and weakness.
Shortness of breath.
Confusion or disorientation.
Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Chest pain or pressure (if fluid builds around the heart).

Treatment for AKI:

Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and supporting kidney function. This may involve:

Fluid management.
Medications to control blood pressure or reduce potassium levels.
Dialysis (temporary in severe cases).
Treating infections or removing obstructions.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) / Chronic Kidney Failure

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive and irreversible loss of kidney function over months or years. It often has no early symptoms and can worsen over time, leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) if not managed effectively.

Causes of CKD:

Diabetes (most common cause).
High blood pressure (hypertension).
Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney's filtering units).
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and other inherited kidney diseases.
Prolonged use of certain medications (e.g., NSAIDs).
Recurrent kidney infections or kidney stones.

Symptoms of CKD (often appear in later stages):

Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite.
Fatigue and weakness.
Sleep problems (insomnia).
Changes in urine output.
Muscle cramps or twitches.
Swelling of feet and ankles.
Persistent itching.
Chest pain (if fluid builds around the heart/lungs).
Shortness of breath.
High blood pressure.

Treatment for CKD:

Treatment aims to slow the progression of kidney damage and manage complications. This may include:

Blood pressure control.
Diabetes management.
Dietary changes (low protein, low sodium, low potassium).
Medications to manage complications like anemia, bone disease.
Dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) for ESRD.
Kidney transplant (definitive treatment for ESRD).

Early Detection and Management are Key

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above or have risk factors for kidney disease, it is crucial to consult a nephrologist. Early diagnosis and proper management can significantly impact outcomes for both acute and chronic kidney conditions.

Timing

AGRA KIDNEY & ANDROLOGY CENTER

Acute and Chronic Kidney Failure

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) / Acute Kidney Failure

Causes of AKI:

Symptoms of AKI:

Treatment for AKI:

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) / Chronic Kidney Failure

Causes of CKD:

Symptoms of CKD (often appear in later stages):

Treatment for CKD:

Early Detection and Management are Key

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