# What is the main difference between acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-al-farq-al-raisi-bain-qusoor-al-kula-al-had-wa-qusoor-al-kula-al-muzmin Language: en Category: kidney Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.249Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.249Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/ma-al-farq-al-raisi-bain-qusoor-al-kula-al-had-wa-qusoor-al-kula-al-muzmin Kidney failure is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and lose their ability to filter blood and remove waste products and excess fluids from the body, which are then converted into urine. There are two main types of kidney failure: acute and chronic. The primary difference between them lies in the speed at which the condition develops and the duration of the illness, as well as the nature of the damage sustained by the kidneys [\[1\]](). ## Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Acute kidney injury occurs suddenly and rapidly, often developing within hours or days. In many cases, this type can be treatable and reversible if medical intervention is prompt and effective. It is often caused by another acute issue affecting the kidneys, such as severe dehydration, reduced blood flow to the kidneys, urinary tract obstruction, or the use of certain medications that may be nephrotoxic (harmful to the kidneys) [\[1\]](). Common symptoms of acute kidney injury include a noticeable decrease in urine output, swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet due to fluid retention, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, chest pain, and, in severe cases, confusion or coma. Acute kidney injury requires emergency medical care to identify the cause and treat it immediately to prevent further damage [\[1\]](). ## Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) In contrast, chronic kidney disease develops slowly over several years, and the damage to the nephrons (the functional units of the kidneys) often worsens progressively. This type of failure is typically not fully reversible, but its progression can be slowed, and its symptoms can be managed. Common causes of chronic kidney disease include diabetes and high blood pressure, in addition to certain genetic issues or other kidney diseases that slowly attack the nephrons [\[1\]](). Symptoms of chronic kidney disease may not appear in the early stages, making late diagnosis common. When symptoms do appear, they may include persistent fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, swelling of the limbs, itching, muscle cramps, difficulty sleeping, and changes in urine color or amount. As the disease progresses, it may lead to complete kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant [\[1\]](). ## Diagnosis and Treatment Kidney diseases, including both acute and chronic failure, are diagnosed through blood and urine tests that measure kidney function and waste levels in the body [\[1\]](). For example, a urinalysis can reveal the presence of abnormal proteins, which may be an indicator of kidney damage, as is the case in amyloid kidney syndrome [\[3\]](). In some cases, a kidney biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of damage [\[3\]](). Treatment for acute kidney injury aims to address the underlying cause and restore kidney function; this may include adjusting medications, treating an obstruction, or providing intravenous fluids. Conversely, treatment for chronic kidney disease focuses on slowing the disease's progression and managing symptoms; it may include medications to lower blood pressure, blood sugar control, and dietary changes. In advanced stages, it may require dialysis or a kidney transplant [\[1\]](). ## When Should You Seek Emergency Care? If any of the following symptoms occur, you should go to the emergency department immediately for evaluation, as they may indicate acute kidney injury or an exacerbation of chronic kidney failure: - A sudden and severe decrease in urine output or no urination at all. - Severe and sudden swelling in the legs, ankles, or face. - Acute shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. - Severe chest pain. - Sudden confusion or changes in consciousness. - Seizures. These symptoms require urgent medical evaluation to prevent serious complications. For more information about the various types of kidney diseases, you can visit [Types of Kidney Diseases: A Comparison Guide (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Kidney Diseases]() - [Amyloidosis & Kidney Disease]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-al-farq-al-raisi-bain-qusoor-al-kula-al-had-wa-qusoor-al-kula-al-muzmin#answer