Kidneys play an essential role in our body’s functioning, filtering impurities from our blood, and excreting excess fluid through urine. Common symptoms of kidney disease When our kidneys get damaged or do not function properly, it can lead to various kidney diseases.
Common causes of kidney diseases are high blood pressure, diabetes, family history and prolonged drug use. However, it is important to know what are the signs that indicate that our kidneys may be deteriorating.
Table of Contents
Common symptoms of kidney disease:-
The most important symptoms of kidney disease are often not visible in the early stages, making early detection even more important. The symptoms that are most worrying include:
(i) Urine Changes
When the kidneys are working correctly, they filter excess water and waste from the body and produce urine. Often people are not aware that changes in urine should not be ignored. Changes in the color, frequency, and amount of urine may indicate that something may be wrong with your kidneys.
Common urine changes include:
Funk
Decreased urine output
Dark brown, bloody or foamy urine
Passing urine with bubbles
(ii) Fatigue and weakness
A major symptom of kidney disease is fatigue and weakness. When the kidneys are not working properly, waste products accumulate in the bloodstream, causing various symptoms. Therefore, if you start feeling tired or weak in body and mind, then it can be a symptom of kidney disease.
(iii) Swelling in the feet
The primary function of our kidneys is to process excess water from our bodies. Therefore, when our kidneys do not function properly, it can lead to swelling in the body, especially in the legs, ankles and feet. This happens because our kidneys are unable to process extra fluids, which can cause swelling in our organs.
(iv) Insomnia
Insomnia or trouble sleeping is another symptom of kidney disease. When waste products are not properly filtered, they can cause bloating, which can lead to restlessness and insomnia. If you are having trouble sleeping for more than a week, it could be a symptom of kidney disease.Nausea
Nausea and vomiting can be symptoms of kidney failure. When the kidneys don’t function properly, waste can build up in our bodies, causing feelings of nausea and vomiting.
(v) Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which our body lacks red blood cells due to insufficient oxygen supply. When our kidneys don’t function properly, it can lead to a decrease in red blood cells, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Importance of early detection
Most of the people consider the symptoms of kidney disease as minor and ignore them. However, early detection can have a significant impact on disease outcomes.
Getting kidney function tests like GFR or creatinine can help in early detection of kidney disease. Kidney diseases are curable if detected early and can be kept under control with proper medication and lifestyle changes.
Conclusion
Kidney disease is a serious condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It is important to be aware of symptoms such as urine changes, fatigue, swelling of the limbs, insomnia, nausea, and anemia.