Kidney disease is a serious, life-threatening illness that can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of kidney disease so that you can identify it early and get the help you need.
Unfortunately, early warning signs of kidney disease are often subtle, which is why it is important to be aware of the 10 most common signs and symptoms. If you experience any of these signs, it is important to seek medical attention right away to help diagnose and manage the condition. This article will explain the 10 signs of kidney disease and what to do if you experience them.
Approximately 37 million adults in the United States are suffering from renal illness without being aware of it. Various physical indicators of this disorder may be misinterpreted as symptoms of other ailments.
People who have kidney illness usually do not detect any signs until the later phases of the disease, when the kidneys are not able to work properly or when a large quantity of protein is present in the urine.
According to Dr. Joseph Vassalotti, the Chief Medical Officer at the National Kidney Foundation, a meager amount of 10% of people suffering from chronic kidney disease are aware of their condition.
In order to confirm the presence of kidney disease, testing is the only surefire way; however, Dr. Vassalotti has outlined 10 potential indications that kidney disease may be present.
If you are in a risk group, such as having high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of kidney failure or if you are over the age of sixty, it is recommended to get tested for kidney disease every year. Make sure to alert your healthcare provider of any symptoms you are having.
What is Kidney Disease?
Kidney disease is a term that describes a variety of health conditions that affect the kidneys. The kidneys are two organs located below the ribs that filter toxins, waste, and extra water from the blood.
With kidney disease, the kidneys lose their ability to filter toxins from the blood effectively and may eventually fail. When the kidneys fail, they cannot filter toxins out of the blood, and they build up in the bloodstream and cause serious health problems.
Kidney disease is a serious disease and often requires treatment with medication and/or dialysis. If not treated, kidney disease can lead to serious complications, such as a loss of organ function, infection, and death.
Signs of Kidney Disease
You’re feeling exhausted, lacking energy and having difficulty focusing. A huge reduction in kidney performance can result in an accumulation of toxins and impurities in the bloodstream.
This has the potential to make individuals feel weary and make it hard to concentrate. Another issue of kidney illness is anemia, which can give rise to weakness and weariness. You’re struggling to get some rest.
a. Increased Urination
Increased urination is one of the most common signs of kidney disease. When kidney disease first begins, it usually causes the kidneys to lose their ability to filter out waste from the blood. As a result, toxins build up in the blood and cause the person to urinate more frequently. This is a sign that your kidneys are not functioning properly and should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.
b. Urine Changes
Changes in the appearance of urine are another common sign of kidney disease. Urine is typically yellow in color, but it can vary in different shades of yellow, orange, or even brown. In some cases, you may notice that your urine is dark in color.
These changes in urine color are not necessarily a cause for concern as they are often a result of diet or medications. However, if your urine is dark in color and accompanied by a strong smell, it could be a sign of kidney disease.
c. Swelling
Swelling in the legs and/or feet is another common sign of kidney disease. When kidney disease first begins, it causes the blood to become thicker and more difficult for the kidneys to filter. As a result, excess fluid accumulates in the body, including in the feet and legs. Swelling in the feet and legs is a sign that your kidneys are not functioning properly and should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.
d. Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common signs of kidney disease that many people don’t realize is a warning sign. Kidney disease ultimately affects the rate at which the body produces energy, which causes fatigue. The early onset of fatigue is a sign that your kidneys are not filtering properly and should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.
e. Skin Changes
Skin changes are one of the earliest signs of kidney disease. When the kidneys lose their ability to filter toxins from the blood, they also lose their ability to produce protein. As a result, the skin produces less protein, causing it to appear dry, thin, and wrinkled.
Skin changes are typically visible on the hands and feet, but they can also appear on the face and other areas of the body. Skin changes are a sign that your kidneys are not functioning properly and should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.
f. Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite is another common sign of kidney disease. As kidney disease progresses, toxins in the blood accumulate, causing nausea and vomiting. When the kidneys are not able to filter the blood correctly, it also affects the digestive system, causing abdominal cramping and nausea.
This can affect the appetite, causing a loss of interest in eating. Loss of appetite is a sign that your kidneys are not functioning properly and should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.
g. Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are two of the most common symptoms of kidney disease. When the kidneys are first damaged and are not filtering the blood effectively, toxins build up in the bloodstream and cause nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can increase in intensity and frequency as the disease progresses. Nausea and vomiting are a sign that your kidneys are not functioning properly and should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.
h. Pain in the Side or Back
Pain in the side or back is one of the most common signs of kidney disease. When a person experiences pain in the side or back, it is often referred to as a kidney stone. A kidney stone is caused by a buildup of calcium and other minerals in the urine. When the calcium and minerals are not filtered out by the kidneys, they can clump together and form small stones.
When these stones travel through the urinary tract, they can become lodged in the urinary tract and cause pain. There are many different types of pain associated with kidney stones, such as a sharp or stabbing pain in the side, back, or abdomen. Pain in the side or back is a sign that your kidneys are not functioning properly and should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.
i. Poor Sleep
Poor sleep is another common sign of kidney disease. The kidneys play a significant role in regulating sleep. When the kidneys are damaged, they can have trouble regulating sleep, causing poor sleep. When the kidneys are healthy, they produce hormones that regulate sleep. When they are damaged and not functioning properly, they cannot produce these hormones, resulting in poor sleep.
j. Difficulty Concentrating
Difficulty concentrating is another common sign of kidney disease. When the kidneys are damaged, they cannot effectively filter toxins out of the blood. As toxins accumulate in the bloodstream, they can cause confusion and make it difficult to concentrate. Difficulty concentrating is a sign that your kidneys are not functioning properly and should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.
What to Do if You Experience Any of These Symptoms
If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to get them checked out by a doctor. Kidney disease is a serious illness that can cause serious complications if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to identify the signs of kidney disease early so that you can get the help you need.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to see your doctor right away. Your doctor will likely perform tests to diagnose your condition and may recommend treatment. It is important to get diagnosed and treated as soon as possible to help manage the condition
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