15 Symptoms of Kidney Disease That Everyone Should Know About
15 Symptoms of Kidney Disease
Kidney disease affects the kidneys’ ability to remove wastes, regulate electrolytes and maintain proper blood pressure levels. There are several different types of kidney disease, including diabetes, high blood pressure and chronic glomerulonephritis. Even if you have no symptoms, it can still cause serious problems if it’s not detected quickly enough. Here are 15 common symptoms of kidney disease you should know about.
1) Frequent Urination
Frequent urination is one of the most common symptoms of kidney disease. It can be difficult to tell if you are having this symptom because it can be caused by other medical conditions or even certain medications.
If you are frequently needing to go to the bathroom more than normal, this could be a sign that your kidneys are not functioning correctly. It is important to keep an eye on your urine output as it can tell a lot about your health. If your urine output is low, it could be a sign of kidney failure. Other signs of frequent urination include waking up multiple times during the night to use the restroom and feeling the urge to go often during the day.
If you think you may have Polycystic Kidney Disease, it is important to speak with your doctor right away. They will be able to order tests to confirm a diagnosis and help you get the treatment you need. Early diagnosis and treatment are key in managing kidney disease and improving your quality of life.
2) Urinary Tract Infections
Kidney disease can be a very serious condition and it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of this disease. One of the most common signs of kidney disease is a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs can cause discomfort, pain, and frequent urination.
The most common symptoms of a UTI include:
1. A burning sensation when you urinate
2. Pain in the lower abdomen or back
3. Pressure in the lower abdomen
4. Strong-smelling urine
5. Cloudy or bloody urine
6. Fever or chills
7. Nausea and vomiting
9. Frequent urge to urinate, even when there is little urine present
10. Urinating small amounts at a time
11. Difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine
12. Pain during sexual intercourse
13. Lower back pain
14. Urinary incontinence (involuntary urination)
15. Abnormal urinalysis results (i.e., high levels of protein, white blood cells, red blood cells, or bacteria)
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away as they could be indicative of kidney disease. If left untreated, kidney disease can lead to kidney failure and ultimately death, so early diagnosis and treatment is essential.
3) Swelling in the Feet, Ankles, Legs, Face, and Hands
Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, face, and hands is a common symptom of kidney disease. It is caused by a buildup of extra fluid in the body due to decreased kidney function. As the kidneys are not able to filter out waste and other toxins efficiently, they can build up in the body and cause fluid to collect in certain areas.
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak to your doctor. Your doctor can order tests to determine if you have kidney disease and what type it is. If you do have kidney disease, your doctor will help you develop a treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications and medications that can help manage your condition.
It is also important to recognize that some swelling may be normal if you are exercising or standing for long periods of time. However, if you have persistent swelling or notice any other symptoms associated with kidney disease, it’s best to speak with your doctor as soon as possible.
4) Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of kidney disease. If you find yourself feeling abnormally tired throughout the day, it could be a sign that your kidneys are not functioning properly. Fatigue caused by kidney disease may make it difficult to carry out day-to-day activities, even simple tasks. This feeling of exhaustion can be the result of a number of factors, including anemia, fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances, or reduced kidney function. It’s important to speak with your doctor if you are feeling unusually tired, as this could be an early sign of kidney disease.
5) Skin Rash
Skin rashes can be a sign of kidney disease, so it’s important to pay attention to them. A rash on the skin that appears red and itchy can be an indication that something is wrong with your kidneys. Common symptoms associated with this rash include swelling, itching, and hives. If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical help right away.
It is important to note that not all skin rashes are a sign of kidney disease. However, if you experience any of the above symptoms in combination with other signs such as fatigue, dark urine, or increased urination, then it is likely that your rash is related to kidney issues. If you think you may have kidney disease, it is important to get a full physical examination from your doctor and to be aware of any changes in your skin.
6) Nausea
Nausea is one of the most common symptoms of kidney disease. It can be caused by dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and toxins that have built up in your blood from damaged kidneys. Nausea can cause a feeling of uneasiness and can often be accompanied by vomiting. If you are experiencing nausea related to kidney disease, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible so that they can properly diagnose and treat your condition. Some potential treatments for nausea related to kidney disease include hydration, medication to reduce nausea, and diet modifications.
7) Vomiting
Vomiting is a common symptom of kidney disease, and is usually accompanied by nausea. If you experience vomiting and/or nausea, it could be a sign that your kidneys are not functioning correctly.
Vomiting can be caused by a number of different things, including infection, dehydration, or the side effects of certain medications. If you find yourself vomiting more than once in a short period of time, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
When it comes to kidney disease, vomiting can be caused by the buildup of toxins in the bloodstream due to reduced kidney function. These toxins can cause nausea and vomiting as they accumulate. Your doctor can test your blood for toxins and determine if your kidneys are functioning properly.
If you are experiencing frequent vomiting, it is important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and have them evaluated. Early diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease can help to prevent further complications from developing.
8) Pain in The Side
Pain in the side is a common symptom of kidney disease. Pain in the side or back area, also known as flank pain, can be a sign of kidney disease, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, nausea, or vomiting. Flank pain can be caused by a variety of problems including infection, obstruction, kidney stones, or trauma. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you experience any persistent pain in the side that doesn’t seem to go away. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing kidney disease and preventing more serious health issues.
9) Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is a common symptom of kidney disease. It occurs because the kidneys aren’t able to filter out toxins as well as they should, leading to a build-up of toxins in the body. This can cause an imbalance in the body’s chemistry, resulting in difficulty breathing. If you find yourself feeling short of breath after light activity or when at rest, it may be time to consult with your doctor. Other symptoms of kidney disease include swelling in the hands, feet and face, fatigue, nausea and loss of appetite, and changes in urination patterns.
10) High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is one of the most common symptoms of kidney disease. High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the blood vessels become too narrow, causing an increase in blood pressure as the heart pumps blood through the body. As a result, the kidneys have to work harder to remove excess salt and water from the body. High blood pressure can be caused by many different factors, including family history, high salt intake, stress, and obesity.
If you have been diagnosed with kidney disease, it is important to monitor your blood pressure regularly to check for any changes. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help keep your blood pressure in check. In addition, you should also make sure to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to help manage your condition and prevent any further damage to your kidneys.
11) Blood in The Urine
One of the most alarming symptoms of kidney disease is blood in the urine. Blood in the urine is also known as hematuria and can be indicative of a serious underlying condition. If you notice any signs of blood in your urine, it’s important to speak with your doctor right away.
When kidney disease is severe, the body will struggle to remove waste products, leading to an increase in proteins in the urine. This can cause red blood cells and other debris to appear in the urine, appearing as either streaks or clumps of blood. It may look like red or brownish liquid in the toilet bowl or on the tissue paper.
In addition to seeing blood in the urine, you may also experience pain while urinating or have a burning sensation when you do. In more severe cases, you may feel tired, have swelling in your legs and feet, experience back pain near your kidneys, and generally feel unwell.
The cause of hematuria is not always kidney disease, but it can be an indication of something more serious. It’s important to visit your doctor if you notice any signs of blood in your urine so that they can properly diagnose and treat you.
12) Foamy Urine
Foamy urine can be a sign of kidney disease, and it is important to be aware of this symptom. Urine that is abnormally foamy may indicate that your kidneys are not functioning correctly and are unable to filter waste from your body properly. It could also mean that you have too much protein in your urine, which can be a sign of kidney problems.
If you notice your urine looks unusually foamy, it’s important to talk to your doctor and get tested for kidney disease. While foamy urine isn’t always indicative of a serious problem, it is still a warning sign and should not be ignored. Your doctor can run tests to determine whether or not your kidneys are functioning properly and prescribe treatments accordingly.
13) Loss of Appetite
When it comes to kidney disease, one of the earliest signs that something is wrong is a sudden loss of appetite. While occasional periods of decreased appetite are normal, experiencing a significant decrease in appetite that lasts for more than a few days can be an indication of an underlying health problem.
Kidney disease can cause a decrease in appetite due to the body’s inability to properly process food and absorb nutrients from it. Additionally, the toxins and waste products that build up in the bloodstream can also affect appetite and result in nausea, which can further contribute to a lack of appetite.
If you’ve noticed that you’ve been feeling less hungry than usual, it’s important to speak with your doctor about your symptoms. They will be able to provide more information about the potential causes and suggest treatment options if needed.
14) Weight Loss
If you’re experiencing unexplained weight loss, it could be a sign of kidney disease. Weight loss can occur when your kidneys are unable to properly remove excess water and waste products from your body. These substances, including urea and creatinine, accumulate in the body, causing it to become weak and frail.
Unexplained weight loss can also be caused by an increase in urine output, as the kidneys may not be able to process the amount of fluid that is needed to keep your body hydrated. You may notice a decrease in appetite as well, since the body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs from the foods you eat.
It’s important to take any sudden or unexpected weight loss seriously and speak with your doctor immediately. They will be able to conduct tests to determine if your kidneys are functioning properly and discuss any necessary treatment options with you.
15) Difficulty Concentrating
If you’re experiencing difficulty concentrating, it could be a sign of kidney disease. Difficulties with concentration can be caused by a lack of oxygen and nutrients reaching your brain, as well as uremic toxins in the blood that can affect your ability to think clearly. If you’re having difficulty concentrating for an extended period of time, it’s important to contact your doctor to discuss any possible underlying causes, such as kidney disease.
The most common symptom associated with kidney disease is fatigue, which can make it difficult to focus on tasks or stay alert. Other symptoms of kidney disease include decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps. Additionally, people with kidney disease often experience weight loss, difficulty sleeping, and confusion.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and suspect that they might be related to kidney disease, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of successful management of kidney disease.
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