Acute Kidney Injury Treatment in Burlingame, Daly City, and San Mateo County | Dr. Leena Joshi, MD
Last reviewed by Dr. Leena Joshi, MD on July 2026
Acute kidney injury is a sudden decline in kidney function that occurs over hours to days. Dr. Leena Joshi evaluates patients with acute kidney injury through comprehensive testing, identifies underlying causes, and develops individualized treatment plans. Dr. Joshi may recommend medication adjustments, fluid management, treatment of infections or blockages, and in some cases, temporary dialysis to support kidney recovery.
What is acute kidney injury?
Acute kidney injury, sometimes called AKI, happens when the kidneys suddenly stop working as well as they should. The kidneys are organs that filter waste and extra fluid from the blood. When acute kidney injury occurs, waste products can build up in the body quickly. This condition can develop in a few hours or a few days. Acute kidney injury can range from mild to severe. Some people may recover completely with treatment, while others may need ongoing care. The condition can happen to anyone, but it is more common in people who are already in the hospital or who have other health problems. Quick treatment is important because acute kidney injury can become serious if not addressed. Dr. Joshi works with patients in Burlingame, Daly City, and San Mateo County to identify the cause and create a treatment plan.
Signs and symptoms
- Decreased urine output or urinating less often than usual
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet due to fluid retention
- Feeling unusually tired or weak
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Chest pain or pressure in severe cases
How Dr. Joshi manages acute kidney injury
Dr. Joshi begins by reviewing the patient’s medical history, current medications, and recent illnesses or procedures. Blood tests and urine tests help Dr. Joshi assess how well the kidneys are working and identify possible causes. Imaging studies such as ultrasound may be ordered to look for blockages or structural problems. Treatment depends on what caused the acute kidney injury. Dr. Joshi may adjust medications that can harm the kidneys, treat infections with appropriate antibiotics, or address dehydration with careful fluid management. For patients in San Mateo County and surrounding areas, Dr. Joshi coordinates care with other specialists when needed. If the kidneys are severely affected, Dr. Joshi may recommend temporary dialysis to remove waste products and excess fluid while the kidneys heal. Dr. Joshi monitors kidney function closely with follow-up blood tests to track recovery. The goal is to support the kidneys, treat the underlying cause, and prevent complications. Many patients can recover kidney function with prompt and appropriate care.
When to see a nephrologist for acute kidney injury
- Your primary care doctor has detected a sudden rise in creatinine levels or other signs of kidney problems
- You have been hospitalized and developed kidney function changes
- You are urinating much less than normal or not at all
- You have severe swelling, confusion, or difficulty breathing
- You have a chronic condition such as diabetes or heart disease and notice new symptoms
- Your kidney function is not improving with initial treatment
Frequently asked questions
What causes acute kidney injury?
Acute kidney injury can be caused by severe dehydration, infections, certain medications, blockages in the urinary tract, or reduced blood flow to the kidneys. Your physician will determine the specific cause through testing and evaluation.
Can acute kidney injury be reversed?
Many cases of acute kidney injury can improve or resolve completely with prompt treatment. Recovery depends on the underlying cause, how quickly treatment begins, and the overall health of the patient. Dr. Joshi monitors progress closely.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery time varies. Some patients improve within days to weeks, while others may take months. A small percentage of patients may have lasting kidney damage. Dr. Joshi provides individualized care and follow-up for each patient.
Will I need dialysis?
Not all patients with acute kidney injury require dialysis. Dr. Joshi may recommend dialysis if kidney function is severely reduced, waste products reach dangerous levels, or fluid overload threatens other organs. Dialysis is often temporary.
How do I find an acute kidney injury nephrologist in San Mateo County?
Dr. Leena Joshi is a board-certified nephrologist serving Burlingame, Daly City, and San Mateo County. Dr. Joshi has expertise in diagnosing and managing acute kidney injury and coordinates care with your other physicians.
What tests will I need?
Dr. Joshi typically orders blood tests to measure creatinine and other markers, urine tests to check for protein or blood, and imaging such as ultrasound. Additional tests may be needed based on your symptoms and medical history.
Dr. Leena Joshi, MD sees patients at two convenient locations: 1750 El Camino Real Suite 301 in Burlingame and 1800 Sullivan Ave Suite 507 in Daly City. To schedule a consultation, call (650) 355-5551.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your physician about your specific situation.
Medically reviewed by Leena Joshi, MD.