Most people are not aware of the fact that kidney
diseases can be silent killers. They may not show any
symptoms for a long time till the situation becomes
critical. It is important to recognize the symptoms of
kidney diseases to catch them early. Here iSourcelist of
twelve such symptoms you should look out for:
**Changes in your urinary function : The first
symptom of kidney disease is changes the amount,
frequency of your urination. There may be an increase
or decrease in amount and/or its frequency, especially
at night. It may also look more dark colored. You may
feel the urge to urinate but are unable to do so when
you get to the restroom.
**Difficulty or pain during voiding : Sometimes you
have difficulty or feel pressure or pain while voiding.
Urinary tract infections may cause symptoms such as
pain or burning during urination. When these
infections spread to the kidneys they may cause fever
and pain in your back.
**Blood in the urine : This is a symptom of kidney
disease which is a definite cause for concern. There
may be other reasons, but it is advisable to visit your
doctor in case you notice it.
**Swelling : Kidneys remove wastes and extra fluid
from the body. When they are unable to do so, this
extra fluid will build up causing swelling in your
hands, feet, ankles and/or your face.
**Extreme fatigue and generalized weakness : Your
kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin
which helps make red blood cells that carry oxygen. In
kidney disease lower levels of erythropoietin causes
decreased red blood cells in your body resulting in
anemia. There is decreased oxygen delivery to cells
causing generalized weakness and extreme fatigue.
**Dizziness & Inability to concentrate : Anemia
associated with kidney disease also depletes your brain
of oxygen which may cause dizziness, trouble with
concentration, etc.
**Feeling cold all the time : If you have kidney
disease you may feel cold even when in a warm
surrounding due to anemia.
Pyelonephritis (kidney infection) may cause fever with
chills.
**Skin rashes and itching : Kidney failure causes waste
build-up in your blood. This can causes severe itching
and skin rashes.
**Ammonia breath and metallic taste : Kidney failure
increases level of urea in the blood (uraemia). This urea
is broken down to ammonia in the saliva causing urine-
like bad breath called ammonia breath. It is also
usually associated with an unpleasant metallic taste
(dysgeusia) in the mouth.
**Nausea and vomiting : The build-up of waste
products in your blood in kidney disease can also
cause nausea and vomiting.
**Shortness of breath : Kidney disease causes fluid to
build up in the lungs. And also, anemia, a common
side-effect of kidney disease, starves your body of
oxygen. You may have trouble catching your breath
due to these factors.
**Pain in the back or sides : Some cases of kidney
disease may cause pain. You may feel a severe
cramping pain that spreads from the lower back into
the groin if there is a kidney stone in the ureter. Pain
may also be related to polycystic kidney disease, an
inherited kidney disorder, which causes many fluid-
filled cysts in the kidneys. Interstitial cystitis, a chronic
inflammation of the bladder wall, causes chronic pain
and discomfort.
It is important to identify kidney disease early because
in most cases the damage in the kidneys can’t be
undone. To reduce your chances of getting severe
kidney problems, see your doctor when you observe
one or more of the above symptoms. If caught early,
kidney disease can be treated very effectively.
Source: A seminar work..
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