Responsible for filtering the blood and urine, our kidneys are very important for our overall health. However, acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease are two common conditions that can severely affect how the organs operate. Located in the heart of Cincinnati, the professionals at Mt Auburn Nephrology elaborate on the differences between acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. 

There are important indicators that differentiate both of these conditions, which can help your doctor determine the best treatment plan for you. 

Acute Kidney Injury:

• Acute kidney injury is typically brought about by a traumatic event which leads to dysfunction. Examples of possible kidney trauma include dehydration, surgical complications or medicinal side effects. 
• Fluid buildup or electrolyte imbalance are two things typical to acute kidney injury that severely affect how the organ operates. An experienced specialist at Mt Auburn Nephrology easily identify these conditions and provide a diagnosis based on their findings.
• Lower back discomfort and irregular or insufficient urine output are primary symptoms of a kidney injury. If you experience either of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor for testing.

Chronic Kidney Disease:

• Chronic kidney disease is typically caused by an underlying chronic condition like hypertension or diabetes which are linked to slow but significant kidney damage. Over time, consistent damage to your kidneys can lead to developing chronic kidney disease.
• Chronic kidney disease patients usually suffer from additional health problems, including anemia and phosphate overload in the blood. However, these issues aren't typically present until the patient has kidney disease for an extended period of time.

The knowledgeable staff at Mt Auburn Nephrology offer kidney function tests that will determine if you have a kidney injury or are suffering from chronic kidney disease. Their physicians can provide kidney disease treatment to alleviate your symptoms and improve your kidney function and overall health. To receive more information about Ohio's leading nephrology practice, visit their website or call (513) 841-0222 to schedule an appointment today.