Acute Kidney Injury: symptoms, causes & treatment in Nigeria
Also known as sudden kidney failure, AKI.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Acute Kidney Injury?
Early signs often include producing much less urine than usual, or none, swelling of the legs or face, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Acute Kidney Injury be treated?
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.
When should I see a doctor about Acute Kidney Injury?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: 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. These can be signs of an emergency — if severe, go to the nearest emergency room or call 112 or 199.
See an MDCN-verified doctor about acute kidney injury by video, audio or chat — then order medicine, book a lab test or get a home visit from the same app.