Acute Kidney Disease

Acute kidney disease is the sudden loss of kidney function that occurs when high levels of waste products of the body's metabolism accumulate in the blood. This occurs when the kidneys are unable to get rid of the daily toxins in the urine, and when it occurs, it can cause serious complications. Some of the causes of acute kidney disease are dehydration, bad infection or sepsis, damage from some medications or toxins, a severe injury or kidney stone.

Blood and urine tests, ultrasound and other tests can check the status of your kidney function. Your nephrologist will try to treat the condition that is causing your kidney to fail and to try to prevent other complications. Most of the time, the causes of acute kidney disease can be treated within a few days or weeks. The kidney function will be restored and you can live a normal life.

Your nephrologist will arrange for follow up visits for the underlying cause of your acute kidney disease and you will be monitored to make certain the kidney failure has resolved. Preventive measures may be needed in some situations to prevent the condition from occurring again.