Neerukahjustust

Neerukahjustust, a term used in Estonian medical language, refers to kidney injury, the impairment of kidney function that reduces the organ’s ability to filter waste, regulate fluids and electrolytes, and maintain blood pressure. The phrase neerukahjustust covers both acute kidney injury (AKI), which develops quickly over hours to days, and longer-standing kidney damage that can progress to chronic kidney disease.

Causes of kidney injury include reduced blood flow to the kidneys (for example from dehydration, severe illness, or low blood pressure), direct kidney-damaging processes (such as certain medications, toxins, or infections), and urinary tract or kidney obstruction (stones or tumors). Acute injuries may arise from surgery, sepsis, or contrast dyes used in imaging. Chronic injury often results from long-term diseases like diabetes or hypertension that gradually damage renal tissue.

Symptoms vary and may be nonspecific. They can include reduced urine output, swelling in the legs or ankles, fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, or confusion, but some people experience few early signs. Diagnosis relies on laboratory tests showing elevated serum creatinine and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), along with urinalysis, imaging studies, and sometimes kidney biopsy to determine the cause.

Treatment aims to address the underlying cause and support kidney function. This may involve fluid management, careful medication use to avoid nephrotoxins, treatment of infections, relief of obstructions, and, in severe cases, dialysis. Prognosis varies: some cases are reversible with timely care, while others evolve into chronic kidney disease requiring ongoing management or kidney replacement therapy. Prevention focuses on controlling risk factors, staying hydrated, avoiding nephrotoxic drugs when possible, and using contrast agents judiciously.