Overview
Acute kidney injury is a sudden drop in kidney function over hours to days — urine output falls and waste builds up in the blood. In Nigeria common triggers include severe malaria and other infections, profound dehydration from diarrhoea, herbal concoctions and complications of pregnancy. Caught early it is often completely reversible; ignored, it kills.
Symptoms
- Producing much less urine than usual, or none
- Swelling of the legs or face
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue and weakness
Causes & risk factors
- Severe dehydration from diarrhoea, vomiting or bleeding
- Severe infections including malaria and sepsis
- Herbal concoctions and overdose of painkillers
- Obstruction from prostate enlargement or stones
- Pregnancy complications such as eclampsia and haemorrhage
Treatment & self-care
AKI is managed in hospital: rehydration or careful fluid control, treatment of the underlying cause, stopping all kidney-harming substances, and temporary dialysis if wastes climb dangerously. Most patients recover kidney function with timely treatment. During any severe diarrhoeal or febrile illness, maintaining fluids and avoiding NSAIDs and concoctions protects the kidneys.
See a doctor urgently if
- Urine output dropping sharply during any illness — same day
- No urine for 12 hours or more — emergency
- Swelling with breathlessness
- Confusion or extreme drowsiness during an illness
This condition can be an emergency. If any of the signs above are severe or getting worse, go to the nearest emergency room now or call 112 or 199 — do not wait for an online consultation.