Symptom 3. Shortness of Breath: A Common Result of Fluid Buildup in Acute Kidney Disease
Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is a less obvious but equally concerning symptom of AKI. This symptom arises from the accumulation of excess fluid in the body due to compromised kidney function, which in turn, can lead to a condition known as pulmonary edema.
Our lungs are responsible for oxygenating the blood and removing carbon dioxide – a waste product – during exhalation. This process is akin to how the kidneys filter out waste and extra fluid from our bloodstream. Therefore, any interference with these mechanisms can lead to significant distress, manifesting as shortness of breath.
Pulmonary edema refers to the accumulation of fluid in the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. It’s akin to trying to breathe underwater. The fluid restricts the lungs’ ability to expand fully and reduces the area available for gas exchange, causing breathlessness, particularly when lying flat or exerting oneself.
Notably, shortness of breath in AKI isn’t solely due to fluid overload. The kidney and lungs share a complex relationship, each influencing the other’s function. Kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin, stimulating the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. In AKI, erythropoietin production can decrease, leading to anemia and consequently, breathlessness.
Furthermore, in severe cases of AKI, metabolic acidosis may develop due to the accumulation of acid waste products. The body tries to compensate for this by increasing the breathing rate, causing a sensation of breathlessness. In essence, it’s the body’s attempt to correct a deeply-rooted systemic issue.
Another aspect worth mentioning is the anxiety that often accompanies dyspnea. It’s a distressing symptom, causing unease and fear, which can further exacerbate the sense of breathlessness. It’s a vicious cycle, one that’s critically important to break. (3)
