7 signs of kidney disease
You may not realize that your kidneys are not harming their function properly, so doctors note multiple symptoms that can arise in the early and late stages of kidney disease, about 90% of people with kidney disease do not know that they have it.
People with kidney disease do not develop symptoms until the very late stages. That's why people with risk factors for kidney disease should be routinely screened for kidney disease.
Such as being over the age of 60, or type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or an autoimmune disorder.
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| 7 signs of kidney disease |
These are some of the things to watch out for at different stages of kidney disease.
Early signs of kidney disease
Such symptoms often appear in the first three stages of kidney disease, before the kidneys are significantly damaged, (they can also appear in later stages as well.)
If you notice any of these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible to check for kidney disease.
night urination
During the day, extra fluid collects in your body in your ankles and legs from standing and sitting all day, and at night, once you sleep, this extra fluid goes directly to your kidneys. If your kidneys are damaged, they cannot filter this fluid. This may result in constant going to the toilet at night. If you get up more than once in the middle of the night, see your doctor.
swelling
When your kidneys are damaged, they are unable to filter the salt either, which can lead to swelling in your ankles, feet, and legs.
In addition, you may also notice puffiness around your eyes, especially in the morning, which does not go away with usual care. The kidneys excrete protein in the urine, which means that less protein goes into your blood.
A lack of protein can lead to enlarged blood vessels, which is often noticeable around your eyes.
fatigue
One of the early signs of kidney disease is actually anemia. Healthy kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO), which sends a signal to the body's bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. But if your kidneys aren't working properly, they won't produce enough and as a result, fewer red blood cells are produced. We often see this in the middle stages of kidney disease. If you experience symptoms of anemia such as dizziness, difficulty concentrating, unusually pale skin, or chest pain, see your doctor.
They can do a blood test to check the levels of hemoglobin, which is part of red blood cells. Treatment is usually iron supplementation or, in very severe cases, a red blood cell transplant.
If you've been diagnosed with anemia, it's a good idea to have your doctor run tests to check your kidney function, such as the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This is a blood test to check how well the kidneys are filtering blood. A glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of at least 60 is considered normal, while less than that indicates kidney disease, we usually start to see anemia when a patient's GFR is in their 30s. You'll also notice fatigue and difficulty concentrating in the later stages of kidney disease. A sharp decline in kidney function leads to the accumulation of toxins in the blood.
bloody or foamy urine
If you see blood, this means that red blood cells are in your urine. While this may be due to a urinary tract infection or kidney stones, it can also indicate kidney disease.
When the kidneys are healthy, their filters prevent blood from entering the urine. But when damaged, it allows small amounts of blood to seep out. Sometimes, you may actually see blood (it generally looks either red, or like tea or cola). But sometimes the blood is microscopic, so it can only be picked up through a routine urinalysis, when your doctor looks at a sample of your urine under a microscope.
If your urine has white foam, this usually indicates high levels of albumin, a protein usually found in small amounts in urine, (it's the same protein found in eggs, which is why your urine will have the same foamy consistency, as egg whites). When your kidneys are damaged, protein is the first thing they have a hard time filtering out.
What are the later signs of kidney disease?
These symptoms usually appear during the fourth or fifth stage of the disease. It indicates that your kidneys are so badly damaged that they can no longer filter most toxins, causing them to build up in your bloodstream. Unfortunately, at this point, treatment usually includes dialysis and/or a kidney transplant eventually.
dry and itchy skin
Your kidneys help maintain your bones and the right balance of minerals in your blood.
As a result, your skin may become rough, scaly, and appear crusty, almost like fish scales. You may notice that it feels tight, and cracks easily, says the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). As kidney function deteriorates, your kidneys will no longer be able to filter out waste products such as excessive amounts of the mineral phosphorous, the NIDDK notes.
This can build up in your skin and cause itching that can range from mild discomfort to the urge to itch and irritate your skin. You may scratch so hard that you develop raw, oozing skin or sores.
Over time, a buildup of toxins in your body can cause your skin to change to an unhealthy pale, yellow or gray color, says the AAD. Your skin may darken and thicken, and pimple-like bumps or whiteheads appear in addition to deep streaks. You may also notice an itchy rash of small, dome-shaped bumps that sometimes join together to form raised, rough patches.
Symptoms of advanced kidney disease can also appear on your fingers or nails, says the AAD. The telltale sign is half and half nails, where there is white on the top of your nails, and a regular color on the bottom.
Anorexia
When you have kidney disease , toxins build up in your body, which can affect your appetite. About a third of patients with end-stage kidney disease also report a metallic taste in their mouth, which is most likely due to a buildup of waste products such as urea in the body. This, in turn, can affect your taste. It can also lead to nausea and vomiting.
muscle cramps
When you have severe kidney disease, you're more likely to have an electrolyte imbalance that can lead to cramping, as well as a tingling and needle-like sensation in your arms and legs.
