What is a kidney injury?
The kidneys are located on the side, on each side of the spine. They are the most frequently injured organs of the urinary tract.
The kidneys are protected by the spine, strong back muscles and the lower rib cage, and a layer of fat that serves as a cushion.
A kidney injury can have one or more components of the kidney affected and the severity can be highly variable. The causes of a kidney injury, discussed below, can also vary.
Prognosis of the disease
Expectations will vary greatly depending on the causes and severity of the injury. Injuries can be mild and reversible or, at worst, life-threatening. They can also be a prolonged problem and eventually lead to various complications.
There are also cases in which the kidney starts functioning properly again. Another possibility is that kidney failure may occur.
Normally, if the lesions are detected in time, most patients manage to recover.
Kidney injury can lead to kidney failure.
Symptoms of kidney injury
Symptoms of kidney injury may include pain or bruising in the upper abdomen or between the hip and ribs. Other symptoms to watch for include:
- Blood in the urine or inability to urinate.
- Fever
- Abdominal, back, or side pain or swelling
- Drowsiness
- Increased heart rate
- Vomiting or nausea
- Pale or cool skin
- Sweating
It is important to note that if one kidney is healthy and the other is affected, you may not have any symptoms.
Medical tests for kidney injury
The medical specialist should be informed of any recent illnesses, treatments the patient is undergoing or possible contact with a toxic substance. In case of a physical injury, he/she should know how it has been produced. After this examination, the patient may undergo various tests, such as:
- CT scan of the abdomen
- Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Blood electrolytes
- Blood tests
- X-ray of the kidney
- Angiography of the renal artery or vein
- Renal scan
- Urinalysis
A physical examination may detect physical bleeding, great tenderness over the kidney, shock, or signs of kidney failure.
What are the causes of kidney injury?
The causes of kidney injury can be very diverse. The kidneys can be injured by damage to the blood vessels that supply or drain them, such as:
- Aneurysm
- Arterial blockage
- Renal vein thrombosis
- Trauma
Other reasons for kidney injury may include:
- Autoimmune disorder
- Diabetes or high blood pressure
- Cancer of the kidney, pelvis or colon
- Inflammation, due to medications or infections
- Kidney stones
- Bladder outlet obstruction
- Angiomyolipoma (benign tumor)
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Excessive accumulation of body wastes such as uric acid
Can it be prevented?
It is possible to decrease the chances of kidney injury with some of the following tips:
- Watch for possible sources of poisoning
- Follow the instructions of specialists in the use of medications or other illnesses.
- Wear correct safety equipment at work or during sports activities.
- Drive with caution
Treatments for kidney injury
Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the injury. In minor cases, it may only be necessary to control fluid intake and rest, allowing the kidney to heal on its own.
To treat the most urgent symptoms or to treat possible complications, it may be necessary to stay in the hospital. Some of the treatments that may be necessary for kidney injury include:
- Bed rest for one to two weeks. In the case of bleeding, until it subsides.
- Observation and treatment in cases of kidney failure symptoms.
- Analgesics for pain
- Modification of diet
- Medications, in the case of damage due to toxic substances or to treat inflammation
- Eliminating medications that may have been the source of the injury
There are some cases in which surgery may be necessary, among which we see:
- Repairing a torn kidney, ruptured blood vessels or similar injury.
- Removing the kidney, draining the space or stopping the bleeding.
- Place a stent
- Remove the blockage caused by an obstruction
Which specialist treats it?
Renal lesions are treated by the medical specialist in Nephrology. This professional is able to diagnose the lesion and propose the most appropriate treatment in each case.