How to Recognize Potential Kidney Problems

Kidneys are vital organs that perform essential daily functions, but their importance is often overlooked until problems occur. Early symptoms of kidney disease are subtle and can be mistaken for other conditions, making detection challenging.

Recognizing these early signs is crucial for effective treatment and preventing serious damage. Prioritizing kidney health and monitoring for symptoms can help address potential issues before they escalate.

Symptoms

Changes in Urinary Function

The first symptom of kidney disease is a change in the amount and frequency of urination. The changes include:

Pain While Urinating

People with kidney disease may have difficulty; they feel pressure or pain while urinating. Pain or burning sensation during urination may indicate urinary tract infection. If the infection spreads to the kidneys, it might cause fever and pain in the back.

Blood in Urine

People who get blood in the urine should never ignore it as it is a definite cause for concern. This symptom indicates serious harm to the kidney.

Foamy Urine

An excessive bubble in the urine, which requires flushing several times, is addressed as foamy urine. This indicates protein in urine and it is one of the main symptoms of kidney disease.

Swelling in Hands or Feet

Kidneys are responsible for the removal of waste and extra fluid from the body. When the kidney functioning is decreased, the extra fluids build up in the body causing swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, face.

Extreme Fatigue, Anemia

Kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin which helps red blood cells to carry oxygen. When the kidneys don't function properly, the hormone levels drop drastically which results in anemia and leads to symptoms like weakness and extreme fatigue.

Dizziness

Anemia due to kidney disease also reduces the amount of oxygen carried to the brain which may cause dizziness. This, in turn, leads to trouble with concentration.

Dry & Itchy Skin

Decreased kidney functioning can cause waste build-up in the blood which causes severe itching and skin rashes.

Ammonia Breath and Metallic Taste

This symptom is an indication of chronic kidney disease. Renal failure increases the level of urea in the blood. This urea is broken down to ammonia in the saliva which causes urine-like bad breath known as ammonia breath. It is also associated with an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth.

Shortness of Breath

If the kidney disease is severe enough, fluids can build up in the lungs and lead to a feeling of breathlessness. Along with this, anemia is caused due to kidney disease, which makes the body starve for oxygen, and leads to breathlessness.

Pain in the Back or Sides

This symptom is a common indicator of kidney disease but it is not seen in everyone who suffers from renal failure. A severe cramping pain that spreads from the lower back into the groin can be experienced by patients with kidney disease.

Feeling Cold

Kidney disease causes anemia, this also causes you to feel cold all the time even in the warm surrounding.

Poor Appetite

When kidneys are unable to remove the wastes from the body, the build-up of toxins and waste materials can lead to a lack of appetite.

A Rise in Blood Pressure

When the kidneys are damaged, they can no longer control the blood pressure effectively. Therefore, the force of blood against the vessels stretches them and causes further damage, and weakens the blood vessels in the kidneys.

Frequently Asked Questions