aggravates acute and chronic kidney injuries, we believe there is strong potential to boost the resilience of kidneys,” Souma said.
RELATED: Your Kidneys Need You, Here’s How To Help Them
What is acute kidney injury (AKI)?
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden decline in the ability of your kidneys to work and perform their normal functions. It is often referred to as acute kidney failure or acute renal failure and can lead to chronic kidney disease.
If you are sick and in the hospital, you have a higher chance of developing AKI.
You also have a higher chance of AKI if you:
- Just had bypass (or other major) surgery
- Were in the hospital for COVID-19 (coronavirus)
- Are age 65 or older
- Have heart disease, congestive heart failure or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Have a history of kidney disease
- Have severe, uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Take insulin for diabetes
- Have peripheral artery disease (a condition that makes it hard for your blood to get to your arms and legs)
- Are severely dehydrated or unable to keep fluids in your body
AKI is very serious and needs to be treated right away to prevent lasting kidney damage. Therefore, if you notice the following symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor as soon as possible:
- Urinating (peeing) less often
- Swelling in your legs, ankles or feet
- Feeling weak and tired
- Feeling like you cannot catch your breath
- Feeling confused
- Feeling sick to your stomach
- Feeling pain or pressure in your chest
- Seizures or coma (in severe cases of AKI)