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Acute Kidney Injury
Acute kidney injury is a sudden drop in kidney function over hours to days. It is often reversible if the cause is treated quickly.
Causes & risk factors
- Severe dehydration or blood loss
- Serious infection (sepsis)
- Certain medicines and contrast dyes
- Blockage to urine flow (stones, enlarged prostate)
- Severe diarrhoea or vomiting
Common symptoms
- Reduced urine output
- Swelling
- Nausea
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Breathlessness
Tests & diagnosis
- Creatinine
- Kidney function (RFT)
- Potassium
- Electrolytes
- Urine output & urine test
- Kidney ultrasound
Treatment & management
- Treating the cause — fluids for dehydration, antibiotics for infection
- Stopping medicines that are harming the kidneys
- Relieving any blockage to urine flow
- Careful fluid and electrolyte balance
- Temporary dialysis in severe cases
When to see a doctor urgently
- Passing very little or no urine — urgent
- Rapid swelling with breathlessness
- Confusion, drowsiness or palpitations (high potassium)
- Severe illness with vomiting and dehydration
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about acute kidney injury. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Is acute kidney injury reversible?
Often yes, if the cause is found and treated quickly, kidney function can recover. Delay increases the chance of lasting damage.
How is it different from chronic kidney disease?
Acute kidney injury develops suddenly over hours to days and can reverse; chronic kidney disease builds slowly over months to years and is usually permanent.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.