The kidneys are two important organs that continually filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood. They also help regulate blood pressure, electrolyte balance, red blood cell production and support for healthy bones. Even if the kidneys start to lose their ability, they can still do their job. Meaning, kidney disease can develop without obvious symptoms in its early stages.
“Knowing the warning signs and getting the right medical evaluation can help with early detection of kidney problems. Some symptoms may be due to other conditions and should never be used to self-diagnose kidney disease.
1. Changes in Urination
Changes in urination may be signs of a problem with kidney function or the urinary system. You may see:
- Frequently or infrequently urinating
- Nocturnal urination (frequency)
- Changes in the amount of urine
- Difficulty urinating
- Sudden change in normal urinary habit
2. Foamy or Bubbly Urine
If your urine is foamy or bubbly, you may have too much protein in your urine. Healthy kidneys don’t let much protein pass into the urine.
The presence of protein in urine is called proteinuria or albuminuria, and may represent an important sign of kidney damage. But harmless things can also cause occasional frothing, so persistent changes should be checked out by a doctor.
3. Blood in the Urine
See haematuria (blood in the urine). A number of conditions can cause it, including problems with the urinary tract, kidney stones, infections or kidney disease.
Blood in the urine is a reason to see a doctor for medical evaluation.
4. Swelling in the Feet, Ankles or Around the Eyes
If the kidneys are damaged, they may be unable to remove excess salt and fluid from the body. This can lead to fluid retention and swelling, particularly in the feet, ankles and legs or sometimes around the eyes.
Swelling can be caused by a variety of conditions, including heart, liver, vascular and other medical conditions. Anyone experiencing unexplained, persistent swelling should see a healthcare professional.
5. Persistent Fatigue or Weakness
Unusual tiredness or weakness may indicate advanced kidney disease. Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by healthy kidneys that instructs the body to produce red blood cells.
A decrease in kidney function may cause a decrease in erythropoietin production. This could be a factor in anemia . Anaemia can make you feel tired, weak, unable to concentrate or breathless.
Fatigue is a common complaint in many conditions and has to be interpreted in conjunction with other signs and symptoms and medical findings.
6. Changes in Appetite
Kidney disease can sometimes cause changes in appetite, nausea or a bad taste in the mouth, particularly when the kidneys are not functioning properly.
These symptoms are caused by waste products building up in the blood from the kidneys not working well.
Never think of it as a kidney problem . Constant loss of appetite or unexplained nausea should be checked.
7. Nausea and Vomiting
When the kidneys are not working well, waste products can build up in the blood. This condition is called uremia and in advanced cases can cause symptoms including nausea and vomiting.
But nausea and vomiting are much more common symptoms of other things. They are ongoing, severe or associated with change in urination or swelling requiring medical attention.
8. Muscle Cramps
The kidneys help keep the balance of minerals and electrolytes (for example, calcium and phosphorus) in the body. But, large kidney failure can upset this balance.
Some people with kidney disease may develop muscle cramps or spasms or weakness.
If you experience muscle cramps frequently or for no apparent reason, particularly if you have other symptoms that could be linked to your kidneys, you should consult a healthcare professional.
9. Dry or Itchy Skin
People with advanced kidney disease may have dry or itchy skin that won’t go away. Itching may be related to changes in the balance of minerals and electrolytes and to the build-up of certain waste products.
Dry or itchy skin is very common, whether it’s caused by allergies, skin conditions, dehydration, medications or environmental factors. That is not to be taken as suggesting there is kidney disease.
10. Difficulty Concentrating or Sleep Problems
Kidney disease can impact your overall health, including your sleep quality. People with severe kidney disease may have problems sleeping, restless legs, fatigue or difficulty focusing.
These symptoms are not specific and can be caused by many things. If they happen with other warning signs, they might need a medical evaluation.
Who Is at Higher Risk of Kidney Disease?
Some people have a greater risk of developing kidney disease. Important risk factors include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Family history of kidney disease
- Obesity
- Older age
- Smoking
- Previous kidney problems
People with diabetes or high blood pressure should follow their healthcare professional’s recommendations for regular kidney-function testing.
How Is Kidney Disease Diagnosed?
Symptoms alone cannot confirm kidney disease. Doctors may use several tests to assess kidney health.
Common evaluations include:
Blood Tests
A blood test measures creatinine, which shows how well the kidneys are filtering blood and is called the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
Urine Tests
Urine tests can indicate if there is protein, blood or other abnormalities. A urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) can detect albumin in the urine.
Blood Pressure Measurement
Kidney disease is caused by high blood pressure and worsens it. Blood pressure monitoring is an important part of kidney health.
The doctor may also order imaging studies or other tests based on the circumstances.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Tell your health care provider about any continuing changes in urination, blood in the urine, swelling for no known reason, continuing tiredness or any other unusual symptoms.
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice blood in urine, significant swelling, a marked decrease in the amount of urine produced, difficulty breathing, severe vomiting or a sudden decline in health.
People with diabetes, hypertension or other risk factors for kidney disease should ask their health care provider about appropriate screening, even if they have no symptoms.
Protecting Your Kidney Health
Several lifestyle measures can support overall kidney health:
- Keep blood pressure under appropriate control.
- Manage blood glucose if you have diabetes.
- Stay physically active.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid smoking.
- Follow a balanced diet.
- Stay adequately hydrated according to your healthcare needs.
- Take medicines only as directed.
- Avoid excessive use of certain pain medicines, particularly NSAIDs, unless advised by a healthcare professional.
- Attend recommended health screenings.
Conclusion
Kidney disease is often a slow, progressive disease that may not cause noticeable symptoms until the later stages. If you have other symptoms such as foamy urine, blood in your urine, swelling, unusual fatigue, changes in urination or persistent appetite or sleep problems, tell a healthcare professional if they are persistent or unexplained.
Early testing is especially important for those who have risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Simple blood and urine tests can tell doctors important information about how well your kidneys are functioning and if further tests are needed.
Don’t just depend on the symptoms themselves. See a qualified health care professional if you notice any possible warning signs of kidney disease. Swadha Hospital provides medical consultation and diagnostic services to help patients understand their symptoms and receive the right evaluation and treatment.