If you would like to discuss your kidney diagnosis with our trained members of staff, ring our free-to-call number. The NKF Helpline is available Monday to Thursday 08:30 am - 5:00 pm Friday 8.30 am – 12.30 pm on 0800 169 09 36 or email [email protected] 

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Have you had an Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) as an inpatient or an outpatient and wish to know more about how this could be prevented in the future?

It is estimated that 65% of Acute Kidney Injuries start in the community (Selby 2012). This information aims to provide insight into what can cause an AKI, symptoms and prevention.

The term ‘AKI’ can sound scary. Acute kidney injury (AKI) happens when the kidneys suddenly stop working as well as they should. Despite the name, it is not caused by a physical injury or blow to the body. AKI can be mild, with only a small drop in kidney function, or very severe, leading to complete kidney failure, which can be life-threatening. Finding AKI early is very important because the sooner it is treated, the better the chance the kidneys can fully recover

 An AKI can happen to anyone, but some people can be more at risk, such as

• Being over 65 years old
• Having Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
• Having had a previous AKI
• Not being able to drink enough
• Having an infection or sepsis
• Having a long term condition such as diabetes, heart failure and liver disease
• Taking certain medications that can affect your kidneys:
  

   For example:

  • Pain relief tablets called non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or “NSAIDs” such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
  • Blood pressure tablets called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) such as ramipril and enalapril, or angiotensin receptor blocks (ARBs) , such as candesartan or losartan
  • Diuretics, sometimes called water tablets, which tell your kidneys to get rid of excess fluid, such as furosemide, bumetanide, spironolactone.
  • Some antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, flucloxacillin)
  • Diabetic medication called metformin.

There are many causes of AKI but some of the common causes include:

• Dehydration (from reduced oral intake or diarrhoea and vomiting)
• Sepsis (infections)
• Not being able to pass urine, sometimes called urinary retention, caused by a blockage
• Low blood pressure, which reduces blood flow to the kidneys

What are the symptoms of AKI that I can look out for?

Common symptoms of AKI include:

• Passing less urine than usual, or urine is a darker colour
• Feeling sick or vomiting
• A loss of appetite 
• Feeling short of breath
• New swelling in the legs or other body parts
• Feeling generally unwell with no clear reason, sometimes feeling tired.

When should I ask for advice?

See your GP urgently if :

• you have severe diarrhoea / vomiting.
• You are unable to drink well.
• you are not passing as much urine as you would normally.
• you are taking blood pressure tablets, water tablets, or certain anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and are feeling unwell and cannot eat and drink for any reason.

You should contact your GP first, but if it is an evening or weekend, you should call 111 for a review. However If you are experiencing central crushing chest pain or have life threatening symptoms, then dial 999.

What can I do to prevent AKI or stop AKI getting worse?

• Ensure you are well hydrated aiming to drink 1.5-2 litres of water a day. This is approximately 6-8 drinks. If you are on a fluid restriction advised by a medical clinician, you should keep to this amount.
• If you are on blood pressure tablets, water tablets, or anti-inflammatory tablets and you are unwell with vomiting, diarrhoea, fevers, sweats and shaking, then you should contact your GP urgently. They may advise you follow ‘sick day rules’ and STOP taking these medications until you are well and have been eating and drinking for 24-48hours. You can also contact your local pharmacy for advice about these medications if you are unwell.
• If you are under the care of the Heart Failure team and become acutely unwell you should contact them for advice regarding medication changes.
• If you have diarrhoea or vomiting and unable to take on fluid see your GP for advice.
• Increase your fluid intake if you have an infection with a temperature.
• On hot days you should slightly increase your fluid intake by one extra glass of water.
• If you have had an AKI, ensure you have had repeat bloods to ensure your kidney function has improved. 

Written and reviewed by

Trainee Advanced Clinic Practitioner Charlotte Templeton
Advanced Clinical Practitioner Kathryn Johnson

Last reviewed March 2026
Next review March 2029

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The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.