Acute vs Chronic Kidney Disease: The Important Differences

Your kidneys play a vital role in keeping you healthy by filtering out waste and excess fluids from your blood. However, when they are not functioning properly, it can lead to serious health issues.

Two types of kidney conditions are acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Though they both affect the kidneys, they are significantly different in terms of their causes, symptoms, and treatments. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective management and prevention.

What is Acute Kidney Injury?

Acute kidney injury, also known as acute renal failure, happens suddenly. It is often the result of an immediate event, such as severe dehydration, an infection, or exposure to harmful substances like certain medications. Other common causes include a sudden drop in blood flow to the kidneys due to trauma or surgery and conditions such as the following:

• Heart attack: Sudden drop in kidney blood flow due to impaired heart function.
• Heart failure: The heart’s inability to pump enough blood, impacting kidney perfusion.
• Hypovolemia: Low blood volume from severe dehydration or blood loss, reducing kidney blood flow.
• Liver failure: Poor liver function leads to toxin buildup and reduced kidney blood flow.
• Renal artery thrombosis: A blood clot in the renal artery obstructs kidney blood flow.
• Sepsis: Severe infection causing systemic inflammation and reduced kidney blood flow. 
• Bladder conditions:  Enlarged prostate, kidney stones, or other urinary problems cause reduced kidney blood flow.

AKI Symptoms

The symptoms of acute kidney injury may include a sudden reduction in urine output, swelling in the legs and ankles, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Some people may experience confusion or even seizures in severe cases. The sudden onset of these symptoms often leads to prompt medical attention, which is critical for preventing further damage.

AKI Treatment

Treatment for acute kidney injury focuses on identifying and addressing the cause. This might involve rehydration, stopping harmful medications, or treating infections. In severe cases, dialysis may be needed to help the kidneys filter waste while they recover. The good news is that with prompt treatment, many people fully recover from acute kidney injury.

Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops over a long period and is usually a result of other chronic conditions. Over time, these conditions damage the kidneys’ delicate filtering units, leading to a gradual decline in kidney function. Other risk factors for CKD include a family history of kidney disease, obesity, and smoking. Here are the most common conditions leading to CKD:

• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Persistent high blood pressure can damage kidney blood vessels, reducing their function and leading to CKD.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar from diabetes can damage the kidneys’ filters, a leading cause of CKD.
• Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of glomeruli caused by conditions like strep throat, hepatitis C, and autoimmune disorders, gradually impairing kidney function.

CKD Symptoms

The symptoms of chronic kidney disease often develop slowly and can be easily overlooked. Early signs include increased urination at night, fatigue, and swelling in the hands and feet. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include high blood pressure, anemia, and bone weakness. Because symptoms develop gradually, CKD is often diagnosed in later stages when kidney function is significantly impaired.

CKD Treatment

While there’s no cure for chronic kidney disease, its progression can be slowed with proper management, which usually involves controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Medications to protect kidney function, a healthy diet, exercise, and regular monitoring by a doctor are essential. In advanced stages, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be needed.

Distinguishing Between Acute and Chronic Kidney Disease

Onset and Development

• Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs suddenly, often within days or less, and usually has a clear cause.
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) symptoms develop slowly over months or even years and are linked to other chronic conditions.

Reversibility

• AKI is typically reversible with prompt treatment.
• CKD requires long-term management and is not usually reversible.

Early detection and treatment of both AKI and CKD are essential for preventing severe complications, so if you experience any symptoms of kidney problems, it is vital to seek medical attention promptly. Regular check-ups, especially for individuals with risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure, can help catch kidney issues early.

Learn More with Texas Kidney Institute

By staying informed about kidney health, you can take proactive steps to protect your health and overall well-being. Remember, early intervention can make all the difference. If you suspect you may have a kidney issue, don’t hesitate to seek professional care.

To learn more, reach out to the Texas Kidney Institute. We offer comprehensive care and resources for managing kidney-related diseases, and our team of specialists is dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients.