Kidneys are among the most hardworking organs in our body. They filter our blood, remove toxins, balance fluids, and support many vital functions. But sometimes, they can suddenly slow down or stop working properly. This condition is known as Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).
AKI is one of the most frequent problems seen in hospitals and nephrology practice, yet it is widely misunderstood by the general public.
What Is Acute Kidney Injury? (Simple Explanation)
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) means a sudden fall in kidney function, occurring over hours to days (sometimes up to a couple of weeks).
Because the decline is sudden, it is very different from chronic kidney disease, which develops over months to years.
The most important fact:
AKI is usually temporary and potentially reversible if detected early and treated correctly.
Common Misconception: “Kidney Disease Cured by Ayurveda/Homeopathy”
Many people believe kidney “failure” improves because of Ayurvedic or homeopathic medicines.
In reality, these cases are typically acute kidney injuries, not chronic kidney disease.
AKI naturally improves once the root cause—like infection, dehydration, obstruction, or harmful drugs—is corrected.
The recovery is due to proper medical care and removing the trigger, not due to alternative remedies.
Why Does Acute Kidney Injury Happen? Understanding the Causes
AKI has many causes, but they can be grouped into three major categories that are easy to understand:
1. Pre-renal” AKI
Due to reduced blood flow to the kidneys.
a) Dehydration
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Vomiting, diarrhoea, fever
- Excessive sweating, exercise
- Poor intake in elderly or bedridden patients
b) Severe infections (Sepsis)
Infections anywhere in the body—especially lungs, urinary tract, or abdomen—can drastically reduce blood flow to the kidneys.
c) Blood loss
From accidents, surgeries, stomach ulcers, or internal bleeding.
d) Heart problems
- Heart failure
- Low blood pressure
- Cardiac arrest
These conditions reduce blood supply to the kidneys.
2. Causes Within the Kidney (“Intrinsic” AKI)
These directly injure the kidney tissue.
a) Certain medications
- Painkillers (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, diclofenac
- Some antibiotics
- Contrast dye used for CT scans
- Chemotherapy drugs
b) Herbal & alternative medicines
Some herbal powders, Ayurvedic preparations, metals, and homeopathy mixtures can be toxic to kidneys.
c) Severe infections affecting the kidney itself
Conditions like glomerulonephritis or autoimmune diseases.
d) Rhabdomyolysis
Muscle breakdown due to heavy exercise, injuries, or drug abuse releases toxins into the kidneys.
e) Snake bites / Hemolysis
Toxins can damage kidney tissue.
3. Post-renal AKI
These block the flow of urine.
a) Prostate enlargement in elderly males
One of the most common causes of AKI in elderly men.
Symptoms include:
- Poor urine stream
- Straining to urinate
- Frequent night urination
- Feeling of incomplete emptying
b) Kidney stones blocking urine flow
c) Tumours or strictures in the urinary tract
Blockages cause pressure to build up, damaging the kidneys.
How Do We Diagnose AKI? Simple Tests That Tell the Story
Doctors usually recommend a few basic tests:
- Serum creatinine – the key marker of kidney function
- Blood urea
- Urine routine – checks for infection, protein, blood
- Ultrasound of kidneys – essential to rule out obstruction
- Serial monitoring – repeating tests to track improvement
- Immunological tests – only if the urine suggests autoimmune disease
- Electrolytes (sodium, potassium) – to detect dangerous imbalances
Early identification dramatically improves outcomes.
Treatment: Depends Completely on the Cause
AKI is not treated with a single “kidney medicine.”
The key is to identify the cause and fix it.
Dehydration
→ Give fluids
Infection
→ Start appropriate antibiotics
Painkiller-induced AKI
→ Stop NSAIDs
Herbal/drug-induced kidney injury
→ Stop the offending agent
Obstruction due to prostate enlargement
→ Insert catheter, treat the prostate
Kidney stones causing blockage
→ Remove or bypass the stone
Autoimmune causes
→ Steroids or immunosuppressive treatment
Severe cases
→ Temporary dialysis may be needed until kidneys recover
Most patients improve completely if treated early.
Prevention: Small Steps, Big Protection
Drink plenty of fluids
—especially during summer, fever, vomiting, or diarrhoea
Avoid painkillers like ibuprofen, diclofenac, ketorolac unless prescribed
Be careful with herbal or alternative treatments
Treat infections early
—don’t wait for them to worsen
Elderly men with urinary symptoms should get prostate evaluation
Patients with diabetes or hypertension should do regular kidney tests
Before contrast CT scans, check creatinine levels
Avoid unnecessary over-the-counter supplements and bodybuilding powders
Final Take-Home Message
Acute Kidney Injury is a sudden, temporary, and potentially reversible kidney problem.
It can happen to anyone—but with early diagnosis and correct treatment, recovery is usually excellent.
The key is awareness.
Recognize the symptoms, avoid harmful medications, stay hydrated, and seek medical advice early.
If you are looking for the best nephrologist in Bangalore, Dr. Vinod Kumar K at Manipal Hospitals, Kanakapura Road stands out for his expertise in kidney diseases, dialysis care, renal transplantation, and critical care nephrology. With a patient centric approach and years of experience, he continues to be a trusted name for comprehensive kidney care.