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Acute kidney injury (AKI)
Acute kidney injury (AKI): It is when something suddenly causes your kidneys to stop working as well as they should. This clinic guide summarises recognised symptoms, assessment and care considerations.
Symptoms
- Breathing difficulty
- Swelling
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Warning signs
Seek urgent in-person care for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, sudden weakness, uncontrolled bleeding or rapid deterioration.
For immediate danger, call Rescue 1122 or seek emergency care.
Possible causes
Recognised contributors may include injury or physical strain, age-related changes.
Risk factors
Factors discussed during assessment may include injury or physical strain, medicine-related effects, age-related changes.
Diagnosis
A clinician assesses Acute kidney injury (AKI) by reviewing the symptom pattern, timing, health history and examination findings. Similar conditions may need to be excluded before a diagnosis is confirmed.
Common tests / investigations
Depending on the presentation, investigations may include blood tests, urine testing, ultrasound, X-ray, CT imaging, ECG.
General treatment overview
Care may involve a procedure or surgery, prescribed medicine. The plan depends on severity, cause, other conditions and current medicines.
Lifestyle guidance
Keep a symptom record, bring current medicines and reports to the consultation, and follow condition-specific activity, nutrition and self-care advice from the clinical team.
Prevention
Not every case of Acute kidney injury (AKI) can be prevented. Early assessment and control of modifiable risk factors may reduce complications where relevant.
Related conditions
Related conditions are considered from the symptom pattern, medical history and clinical examination.
Medical references
Original general information informed by recognised medical sources. It does not replace individual physician assessment.