Sometimes a trip to the hospital comes as an unexpected surprise and other times it is planned. Either way, there are several things you should know about your kidneys before your hospital visit. Being an informed and empowered patient can go a long way when it comes to your overall health and the health of your kidneys, especially in the hospital setting.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious and common complication of hospitalization, resulting in an abrupt decrease in kidney function. Major causes of AKI include burns, shock, drug toxicity, sepsis, severe diarrhea and exposure to intravenous contrast dyes used in imaging procedures. AKI has been reported in one in five hospital admissions, and there are 35 million people discharged from hospitals each year.
While these numbers may seem daunting, the good news is that, unlike some conditions closely associated with hospitals, such as MRSA, there's actually a whole lot you can do to protect your kidneys. While you may or may not know when you will next enter the hospital, there are certain kidney questions everyone should ask before a hospital stay. Here are five to consider:
- Am I taking any medications (including over-the counter medications)? Virtually all drugs have to be dosed on the basis of knowing your kidney function, so as your kidney function declines, doses of antibiotics, pain medication and anesthetics (just to name a few) may need to be adjusted. If you have been taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Motrin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, or Naprosyn, you must disclose them to your admitting and treating physician. These drugs can lead to complications of kidney disease, bleeding, fluid retention, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, and wound complications. You should stop these medications prior to coming to the hospital. In addition, while aspirin seems to have little effect on the kidneys, taking aspirin prior to a surgical procedure can result in post-surgical complications, including bleeding. Diuretic or blood pressure medications should also be discussed to determine if these medications should be taken prior to admission. These medications can lead to kidney and blood pressure complications after hospital admission and you should make your physician aware of any diuretics and blood pressure medications that you are taking. Doses may be stopped or adjusted while you are in the hospital.
Hospitals should be places of safe health care delivery and recovery from acute or chronic illness. You should also be a smart patient. Take inventory of your kidney health prior to coming to the hospital and share these answers with your health care practitioner so that they are reflected in your medical records. Learn more about acute kidney injury and the National Kidney Foundation by visiting www.kidney.org.