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Understanding Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): When Your Kidneys Suddenly Struggle

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  Understanding Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): When Your Kidneys Suddenly Struggle By Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee Senior Director – Renal Sciences, Medanta The Medicity, Gurugram What is Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)? Acute Kidney Injury, or AKI, refers to a sudden and rapid decline in kidney function , which can occur over hours or days. In AKI, the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products, balance fluids, and regulate electrolytes — essential functions for life. This condition requires prompt diagnosis and treatment because, if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications or even become life-threatening. Why Does AKI Happen? AKI can be broadly categorized into three major types , depending on the underlying cause: 🩸 1. Prerenal AKI: Decreased Blood Flow to the Kidneys This is the most common form and occurs due to reduced blood supply to the kidneys , often without direct kidney damage. Common causes include: Severe dehydration (hypovolemia) Major blood ...

Can Drinking Too Much Water Harm Your Kidneys?

  By Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee Senior Director Renal Sciences  Medanta Medicity, Gurugram ✅ Water is essential — but is more always better? We’ve all heard that staying hydrated is good for our health. And yes — drinking enough water is crucial for many bodily functions, especially for your kidneys , which work hard to filter waste from your blood. But here's an important question I often get from patients: "Can drinking too much water actually harm your kidneys?" Let’s break it down. 🩺 The Role of Water in Kidney Health Your kidneys rely on water to: Remove waste and toxins through urine Regulate fluid and electrolyte balance Maintain healthy blood pressure In general, staying well-hydrated helps your kidneys function properly and can even help prevent kidney stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs) . ⚠️ When Water Intake Becomes Too Much While dehydration is harmful, overhydration can also be dangerous — though it’s less common. Drinking excessi...