World Kidney Day is global campaign aimed at raising awareness of the importance of our kidney to our overall health.
Today - March 10 - provides a day to recognise how to look after our kidneys including the signs and symptoms to look out for when identifying a decline in our kidney health.
Kidney disease is a common condition with the term being used to explain any abnormality of the kidneys.
One of the main kidney conditions is chronic kidney disease (CKD), with over three million people throughout the UK suffering- according to Kidney Care UK.
Another common type of condition is acute kidney infection (AKI) which can be a result of a sudden loss of function in the kidneys.
In a bid to help raise awareness and help those who may be impacted, we have listed the common signs, symptoms and causes of both CKD and AKI.
Here is everything you need to know.
Acute kidney injury
The first type - AKI - happens when your kidneys stop working properly.
It can range from minor loss of kidney function to complete kidney failure, according to the NHS.
This type of kidney damage is usually seen in older people who are unwell with another condition which then impacts on the kidneys.
It is not caused by a physical blow to the kidneys, despite what the name may suggest.
It's essential that AKI is detected early and treated promptly and a delay can result in a build up of abnormal levels of salts and chemicals in the body.
This can them affect the ability of other organs which can begin to fail.
If the kidneys shut down completely, this may require temporary support from a dialysis machine, or lead to death.
Symptoms of acute kidney injury
According to the NHS, symptoms of AKI include:
- feeling sick or being sick
- diarrhoea
- dehydration
- peeing less than usual
- confusion
- drowsiness
Even if it does not progress to complete kidney failure, AKI needs to be taken seriously.
It has an effect on the whole body, changes how some drugs are handled by the body, and could make some existing illnesses more serious.
AKI is different from chronic kidney disease, where the kidneys gradually lose function over a long period of time.
Risk factors of acute kidney injury
The NHS states that you're more likely to get AKI if:
- you're aged 65 or over
- you already have a kidney problem, such as chronic kidney disease
- you have a long-term disease, such as heart failure, liver disease or diabetes
- you're dehydrated or unable to maintain your fluid intake independently
- you have a blockage in your urinary tract (or are at risk of this)
- you have a severe infection or sepsis
- you're taking certain medicines, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen) or blood pressure drugs, such as ACE inhibitors or diuretics; diuretics are usually beneficial to the kidneys, but may become less helpful when a person is dehydrated or suffering from a severe illness
- you're given aminoglycosides – a type of antibiotic; again, this is only an issue if the person is dehydrated or ill, and these are usually only given in a hospital setting
Causes of acute kidney injury
Most cases of AKI are caused by reduced blood flow to the kidneys, usually in someone who's already unwell with another health condition.
According to the NHS, reduced blood flow could be caused by:
- low blood volume after bleeding, excessive vomiting or diarrhoea, or severe dehydration
- the heart pumping out less blood than normal as a result of heart failure, liver failure or sepsis
- problems with the blood vessels – such as inflammation and blockage in the blood vessels within the kidneys (a rare condition called vasculitis)
- certain medicines that can affect the blood supply to the kidney – other medicines may cause unusual reactions in the kidney itself
AKI can also be caused by a problem with the kidney itself, such as glomerulonephritis, or due to a reaction to some sorts of drugs, infections or even the liquid used in some types of X-rays in.
It may also be the result of a blockage affecting the drainage of the kidneys, such as:
- an enlarged prostate
- a tumour in the pelvis, such as an ovarian or bladder tumour
- kidney stones
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease is a long-term condition impacting your kidneys meaning that they do not function as well as they should.
The condition is common and is often associated with getting older,
Chronic kidney disease can get worse over time and in some cases your kidneys may stop working all together - however, this is uncommon.
Symptoms of chronic kidney disease
There are usually no symptoms of kidney disease in the early stages.
It may only be diagnosed if you have a blood or urine test for another reason and the results show a possible problem with your kidneys.
According to the NHS, at a more advanced stage, symptoms can include:
- tiredness
- swollen ankles, feet or hands
- shortness of breath
- feeling sick
- blood in your pee (urine)
See a GP if you have persistent or worrying symptoms that you think could be caused by kidney disease.
What are the risk factors?
According to Public Health Scotland, there are a number of factors that may put your more at risk of chronic kidney disease.
The risk factors include:
- diabetes
- hypertension
- acute kidney injury
- cardiovascular disease (ischaemic heart disease, chronic heart failure, peripheral vascular disease or cerebro-vascular disease)
- structural renal tract disease, recurrent renal stones or enlargement of the prostate
- multisystem diseases with potential kidney involvement – for example, systemic lupus erythematosus
- family history of end-stage kidney disease (GFR category G5) or hereditary kidney disease
- blood in urine
Other risk factors include:
- smoking
- increasing age
- chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- obesity
- low socioeconomic status
Causes of chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease is usually caused by other conditions that put a strain on the kidneys.
According to the NHS, CKD can be caused by:
- high blood pressure – over time, this can put strain on the small blood vessels in the kidneys and stop the kidneys working properly
- diabetes – too much glucose in your blood can damage the tiny filters in the kidneys
- high cholesterol – this can cause a build-up of fatty deposits in the blood vessels supplying your kidneys, which can make it harder for them to work properly
- kidney infections
- glomerulonephritis – kidney inflammation
- polycystic kidney disease – an inherited condition where growths called cysts develop in the kidneys
- blockages in the flow of urine – for example, from kidney stones that keep coming back, or an enlarged prostate
- long-term, regular use of certain medicines – such as lithium and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
You can help prevent CKD by making healthy lifestyle changes and ensuring any underlying conditions you have are well controlled.
If you are concerned about any of the symptoms listed above - of both AKI and CKD - make an appointment with your GP.
It is important to remember that many of these signs may related to other, less serious conditions.
However, it is best to get checked out if you are concerned - especially if you fall under one or more of at risk categories.
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