The Pneumonia Domino Effect: Surprising Links to Acute Kidney Injury

Learn more about the connection between pneumonia and acute kidney injury

Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can lead to hospitalization, especially in people with weakened immune systems and older adults. While the respiratory symptoms of pneumonia are well known (including cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing), there may be a significant impact on other organs, especially the kidneys. During severe pneumonia, the body may face inflammation and stress, which can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI).

In ARF, kidney function suddenly decreases and they cannot filter waste or balance fluids. People with pneumonia may have several risk factors for ARI, such as sepsis (life-threatening infection that spreads through the body) and low blood pressure. Even certain antibiotics can negatively affect kidney function. ARF must be treated to prevent any lasting kidney damage and may improve within a couple of days. Hospitalized patients with pneumonia who develop ARI may have a higher risk of complications and a longer recovery time.

During times of illness, such as pneumonia, it is important to closely monitor kidney function and hydration status to monitor both pneumonia and the impact on kidney function. Early identification of kidney injury can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term damage, such as chronic kidney diseaseeither kidney failure.

Treatment depends on the severity, as some people may need treatment in hospital. Patients may receive medications to control blood pressure and electrolytes or treatments to remove extra fluid. If the ARF is severe and the kidneys stop working, dialysis may be needed for a short period of time. Dialysis is a treatment that uses a machine to clean waste from the blood while the kidneys recover.

Signs and symptoms of a severe ARI may include:

• Urinate (pee) less frequently
• Swelling in the legs, ankles or feet.
• Feel weak and tired
• Feeling like you can’t catch your breath
• feel confused
• Feeling sick to your stomach
• Feeling pain or pressure in the chest.
• Seizures or coma (in severe cases of ARI)

Learn more about AKI on our website.