Acute kidney injury is also known as acute kidney failure or acute renal failure. The condition involves sudden kidney damage, resulting in the loss of the ability to filter the blood. The symptoms of acute kidney injury are shortness of breath, tiredness, confusion, swelling in the ankles and legs, and nausea.
The doctor will perform a comprehensive evaluation of the symptoms. If there is a suspicion of acute kidney injury, the patient may be advised to undergo various tests, such as urine tests (urinalysis), blood tests, urine output, imaging tests (ultrasound), and a kidney biopsy.
Treatment depends upon the underlying cause of the acute kidney injury. The general treatment options include the management of hypotension (low blood pressure) and medications to manage blood calcium and potassium levels. The patients may also undergo dialysis to remove toxins from the body.