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Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI), also referred to as acute renal failure (ARF) happens when the kidneys are abruptly unable to filter the waste materials like Creatinine, urea, potassium, sodium, and other waste materials from the body.

Let us discuss the functioning of the Kidneys first. They are the primary organ that filters out the waste materials from the body. But, certain conditions like bad habits and poor functioning of the kidneys lead to kidney failure.

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Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
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What is Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), also known as Acute Renal Failure (ARF), occurs when the kidneys suddenly become unable to filter waste materials such as creatinine, urea, potassium, sodium, and other toxins from the body.

Firstly, let’s understand the functioning of the kidneys. They are essential organs responsible for filtering waste materials from the bloodstream. However, certain factors, including unhealthy habits and impaired kidney function, can lead to kidney failure.

AKI can be life-threatening and requires intensive care because the kidneys are closely connected to the heart and lungs. Poor kidney function can cause severe damage to these and other vital organs. Therefore, it is crucial to implement preventive measures to protect kidney health.

Symptoms of Acute Kidney Injury

The kidneys play a vital role in regulating the balance of electrolytes, fluids, and waste products in the body. When these substances accumulate, they can disrupt various bodily processes and lead to complications. Some of the signs and symptoms of acute kidney injury (AKI) include:

  • Protein Loss in Urine: Indicated by symptoms such as froth, non-transparency, offensive odor, and color changes in the urine, this is a clear sign of kidney injury.
  • Protein Deficiency: Our bodies use protein to build enzymes and blood. If you frequently feel weak despite taking medications, it may indicate a protein deficiency due to poor kidney function.
  • Swelling: The loss of protein in the blood makes it less dense, allowing it to flow easily through veins and arteries, often pooling in the feet and causing swelling.
  • Skin-related Issues: Symptoms include patches of irritated skin caused by blood impurities. Damaged kidneys are unable to filter the blood properly.
  • Shortness of Breath: Poor kidney function leads to protein loss, which can damage the liver and result in suffocation and breathing problems.
  • Nausea: When kidneys do not function properly, urea builds up in the body, affecting the nervous system and brain, and causing nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
  • Weight Loss: The body’s inability to maintain energy levels due to protein loss typically leads to weight loss.
  • Anemia: Poor erythropoietin hormone activity and significant protein loss in urine cause a loss of hemoglobin in the blood.
  • Bone Pain: Poor kidney function prevents the activation of vitamin D, leading to a deficiency that causes bone pain.
  • Feeling Cold: Poor peripheral blood circulation in kidney patients reduces vitamin D absorption, weakening the body and making them feel cold.
  • High Blood Pressure: When 40% of the kidneys fail due to high blood pressure, it also impairs brain and liver function, further complicating AKI symptoms.

Understanding these symptoms can help in early detection and treatment of acute kidney injury, ensuring better management and prevention of severe complications.

Causes of Acute Kidney Injury

There are three major causes of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI):

  • Lack of Blood Flow: Decreased blood flow to the kidneys can significantly impair their function. The most common cause is hypovolemia, a condition of low blood volume usually resulting from dehydration or excessive bleeding. Other common causes include heart failure and adverse drug reactions. Fortunately, these causes of AKI often do not lead to permanent kidney damage, and the damage can be reversible with appropriate treatment.
  • Blockage in Urine: In some cases, urine flow may be obstructed in the bladder or ureters, preventing normal urination. This can cause urine to back up into the kidneys, leading to swelling and potential kidney damage.
  • Overuse of Toxins: Excessive exposure to toxins such as alcohol, smoking, and drugs, as well as the overdose of medications, can lead to AKI. In critical care situations, the kidneys' filtering capacity can be overwhelmed by medications used to treat other conditions, resulting in kidney injury.

Understanding these causes can help in the prevention and early detection of AKI, ensuring better management and reducing the risk of severe kidney damage.

Diagnosis & Treatment for Acute Kidney Injury

Diagnosis

When your healthcare provider suspects acute kidney injury (AKI), they will conduct various tests depending on the underlying cause. Early detection of AKI is critical as it can progress to chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, and even heart disease or death.

The following diagnostic tests may be performed:

  • Urine Test: Your healthcare provider will perform a urinalysis to detect signs of kidney failure.
  • Check Urine Output: Your healthcare provider will monitor your urine output to identify the underlying cause of your AKI.
  • GFR: Your blood test can be used to determine your GFR (glomerular filtration rate), which is an estimation of your kidney function decline.
  • Blood Test: To assess kidney function, blood tests for creatinine, urea nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be conducted alongside protein blood tests.
  • Kidney Biopsy: Sometimes, a healthcare provider may perform a procedure in which a small portion of your kidney is extracted using a specialized needle, and then examined under a microscope.
  • Imaging Test: Ultrasound or other imaging tests can assist your doctor in examining your kidneys and identifying any irregularities.

Ayurvedic Treatment

With its roots in Indian Vedic culture, Ayurveda is a popular holistic form of treatment. The term “Ayurveda” is derived from two Sanskrit words – “Ayur” which means “life” and “Veda” which means “knowledge.” Thus, Ayurveda is known as “the knowledge of life.” This natural healing procedure employs the use of natural herbs and organic supplements to treat physical ailments, including acute kidney injury, at their source.

Ayurvedic treatment for AKI involves more than just the use of herbal medicines. It emphasizes the importance of dietary modifications and home remedies, some of which are outlined below:

  • Low Potassium Diet: A dietician may recommend a low potassium diet and avoidance of high potassium foods such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach, and tomatoes. Instead, low-potassium foods such as apples, cauliflower, peppers, grapes, and strawberries can be consumed by AKI patients.
  • Avoidance of Salt: Sodium is commonly found in frozen foods, canned soups, and fast foods. Its use can increase blood pressure, which can be harmful to the kidneys.
  • Control Phosphorus Intake: Phosphorus is required by your body for proper functioning. If there is too much phosphorus in your blood, then it may make your bones weak and cause skin itchiness. Your dietician may recommend a diet chart that is low in phosphorus.
Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common health questions in our FAQs, offering insights on personalized Ayurvedic treatments and expert guidance.

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine from India that focuses on balancing the body's energies (doshas) through natural remedies, diet, and lifestyle practices.

Ayurveda emphasizes holistic and preventive care, using natural treatments to address the root cause of diseases, while modern medicine often focuses on treating symptoms with pharmaceuticals and surgery.

Yes, Ayurveda can complement conventional treatments. It is important to consult with both your Ayurvedic practitioner and your primary healthcare provider to ensure safe and coordinated care.

Ayurveda can treat a wide range of conditions, including digestive disorders, skin diseases, respiratory issues, stress, and chronic illnesses like arthritis and diabetes.

Generally, Ayurveda is safe when practiced by a qualified practitioner. However, it's important to discuss your health conditions and any current medications with your practitioner before starting treatment.
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