10 signs of kidney problems
Signs of kidney problems (Freepik)
Problems with kidney function are often subtle. You may experience various minor health issues, but you might not immediately link them to your kidneys. Harmless symptoms can indicate the need for prompt examination. What symptoms indicate problems with kidneys, according to WebMD.
Extreme fatigue
Kidneys filter waste from the blood and remove them through urine. When kidneys are not functioning properly, toxins can accumulate in the body. One of the most common signs is fatigue. You may feel tired, weak, or have difficulty concentrating.
Kidneys produce a hormone that stimulates the body to produce red blood cells. If there are fewer red blood cells, your blood won't be able to deliver enough oxygen to your muscles and brain.
Poor sleep
Research suggests a possible connection between sleep apnea and chronic kidney disease (CKD), which can later damage your organs and lead to kidney failure.
Sleep apnea can partially hurt the kidneys by preventing the body from receiving an adequate amount of oxygen. CKD can cause sleep apnea due to throat narrowing, toxin buildup, and other factors.
Itchy skin
Skin itching occurs when the kidneys cannot eliminate toxins, causing them to accumulate in the blood. This can lead to itching not only all over the skin but also rashes.
Over time, your kidneys may struggle to balance minerals and nutrients in your body, leading to mineral and bone disorders that can result in dry, itchy skin.
Swollen face and legs
When the kidneys can't get rid of sodium, excess fluid accumulates in the body. This leads to swelling in the hands, feet, ankles, shins, or face. You may notice swelling, particularly in the feet and ankles. Protein that is excreted in the urine can also cause puffiness around the eyes.
Muscle cramps
Cramps in the legs or elsewhere can be a sign of bad kidney function. Imbalances in sodium, calcium, potassium, and other electrolytes can disrupt muscle and nerve function.
Shortness of breath
When you have kidney problems, your organs may not produce enough erythropoietin, a hormone that signals your body to make red blood cells. Without it, you can develop anemia and shortness of breath.
Another cause is fluid retention. You may feel like you're struggling to breathe, especially when lying down as if you're drowning.
Foggy head
When the kidneys don't filter all waste from your body, toxins can affect your brain. Anemia can also deprive your brain of the oxygen it needs. You may experience dizziness, concentration and memory problems, and difficulty with even simple tasks.
Poor appetite
Kidney disease can cause nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset, leading to loss of appetite and a reduced desire to eat. Sometimes, this can result in weight loss.
Foul breath
When the kidneys can't filter waste, it leads to a condition called uremia, which can cause bad breath. Toxins in the blood can give your food a metallic taste or just an unpleasant flavor.
Foamy, brown, or bloody urine
Foamy urine can be a sign of extreme protein called albumin, which is usually a result of kidney problems. It's also important to pay attention to brown or very pale urine, as these can indicate kidney issues.
Kidney function disorders can also lead to blood in the urine, which may be caused by kidney stones, tumors, or infections.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
