Overview

AKI is common in hospitalized or critically ill patients and can be triggered by infection, dehydration, medications, or obstruction.

Causes

• Severe dehydration or blood loss
• Sepsis or severe infections
• Medications (NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, contrast dyes)
• Obstruction (kidney stones, prostate enlargement)

Symptoms

• Sudden decrease in urine output
• Swelling in legs, ankles
• Fatigue, confusion
• Nausea, shortness of breath
• High blood pressure

Treatment: Modern Medicine

• Diagnosis: Serum creatinine, blood urea, urine output, imaging
• Treatment:
  • Identify and treat the cause (e.g., infection, fluid loss)
  • IV fluids or dialysis (if severe)
  • Stop nephrotoxic drugs
  • Electrolyte monitoring (especially potassium)

Treatment: Traditional Medicine

• Ayurveda: Punarnava, Varunadi kwath, Gokshura for diuresis
• Siddha: Sirukanpeelai, Neer mulli for kidney cleansing
• Unani: Habb-e-Mudir, Jawarish Zarooni
• TCM: Rehmannia, Cordyceps for kidney yin deficiency
• Homeopathy: Apis mel, Arsenicum album (supportive)
• Nutraceuticals: NAC, Omega-3, CoQ10, Vitamin D (under supervision)

Caution

• AKI can progress to chronic kidney disease if not treated
• Avoid overuse of painkillers (NSAIDs)

Prevention

• Stay hydrated, especially during illness
• Monitor kidney function with risky medications
• Control diabetes, blood pressure