Acute kidney injury is a condition in which your kidneys suddenly stop working properly. It's usually the result of another serious illness, including heart failure, liver failure, severe dehydration, or sepsis. It can also happen because of problems with the kidney itself.
Acute kidney injury can be minor or it can cause complete kidney failure, so it's important that it's diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Urinating less than usual
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
Risk factors for acute kidney injury include:
- Being 65 or older
- Having another kidney problem
- Having a long-term illness such as liver disease or diabetes
- Being dehydrated
- Having a severe infection
- Having a urinary tract blockage
- Taking NSAIDs, blood pressure medications, or diuretics
Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition
department
Kidney Medicine
For patients with kidney disease, the team at Boston Medical Center offers expert, personalized care for all forms of acute and chronic kidney diseases and specializes in complex …