The kidneys are vital organs of the body system.
As a result, they carry out a number of important roles. This includes filtering the harmful toxins and wastes from the body. Hence, suffering from kidney disease is life-threatening.
On many occasions, kidney disease isn’t diagnosed until the last moment. Consequently, there’s not a lot that can be done at this stage of renal disease. The end result if you may ask is kidney failure.
As prevention is always better than cure, here are 12 signs that indicate you might be suffering from kidney disease.
1. Change in urinary frequency- most common kidney disease sign
It’s alarming to witness changes in urinary frequency, whether an increase or a decrease. Most patients suffering from renal disease complain of this very problem.
Urine color change also makes a huge difference, alongside the frequency. This is especially true in an end-stage renal disease where kidney failure is common. For this reason, doctors recommend observing and recording urine color and frequency in such patients.
2. Urination associated with pain and discomfort
Since the kidneys are involved in urine formation, it’s not surprising that kidney disease often manifests as painful urination. Any form of discomfort demands immediate medical attention.
3. Fatigue- low energy levels
You could be suffering from a number of illnesses if you’re tired most of the time. In renal disease, your kidney can’t make erythropoietin, the hormone that produced red blood cells. Consequently, low red blood cell count means low energy levels.
4. Dizziness and weakness
Anemia is a common manifestation of kidney failure. Hence, this means your brain isn’t getting enough oxygen. Therefore, you have a high chance of feeling weak and dizzy.
5. Lack of clarity or disorientation
You become disoriented when your brain doesn’t receive adequate oxygen supplies. As it is, the brain is the most sensitive organ of the body. Hence, it’s not surprising to note a lack of clarity during renal disease.
6. Extreme itchiness
You might want to visit your physician at the earliest appointment if you’re feeling more itchy than usual. During kidney disease, the kidneys cannot filter out harmful toxins and wastes. Hence, their build-up leads to itchiness.
7. Swollen hands and feet
When tissue fluid accumulates in the body, it’s called edema. And this is a characteristic feature of renal disease and kidney failure. The kidney has lost its fluid controlling power. It cannot perform filtration normally.
8. Puffy face
During kidney disease and renal failure, an irreversible point comes. And this point of no return is fluid accumulation. The kidney fails to excrete excess fluid. As a result, it’s not surprising to witness the puffiness of the face during renal disease.
9. Metallic taste
Kidney disease patients complain of metallic taste. This occurs when there is an excess buildup of toxins that aren’t being removed.
10. Ammonia smelling breath
Ammonia smelling breath is another prevalent symptom of kidney disease. Here, patients suffer from uremia. This occurs when there is an excess uric acid build-up due to poor kidney function.
11. Nausea and vomiting
Renal failure can also mask itself as nausea and vomiting. It occurs when the toxin levels in the blood become too high. Furthermore, loss of appetite and weight loss occur.
12. Foamy urine
You may want to visit your doctor if your urine has a foamy texture or contains bubbles. In addition, this is commonly seen during excess protein buildup such as conditions involving kidney failure.
Early-stage kidney disease presents itself with a number of signs and symptoms as shown above. It’s important to be aware from the start to prevent life-threatening, late-stage renal diseases, or kidney failure.