Chronic Kidney Disease or CKD can be very fatal, but when you’re sure of things to look out for; getting treatment can become feasible. The signs of kidney disease include loss of appetite, swollen legs and ankles, as well as frequent urination.
Ten (10) major signs warn you and your body that the kidney is almost failing and medical help should be sought.
What is Kidney Disease?
It is a kind of disease that affects one of the most important organs in the body, the kidney. The disease negatively alters the normal workings of the kidney and thus, the organ may be unable to function as expected.
Early Signs of Kidney Disease
The earliest stage is one of the hardest times to detect any changes because it doesn’t cause much damage to the body’s function until it advances.
However, you’re better off understanding some of the likely symptoms to look for. They tell you whether your kidney is in good condition or almost failing.
1. Swollen Feet and Hands
When your hands, feet and ankles begin to swell; you might just need to contact your doctor for counsel and medical help. This usually happens because of sodium retention or the retention of extra fluid, which ought to have been removed by the kidney.
2. Notice Blood in Your Urine?
The human urine (pee) ought to be crystal clear or coloured a little bit. But when you begin to literally “urinate blood;” it calls for concern.
While it is common for red blood cells to be retained when the kidney filters waste in the body; it is also likely for the red blood cells to leak into the urine. Alongside, proteins can also be leaked into the urine following the damage to the kidney’s filtering mechanism.
Also Read: Are You Living with Kidney Disease? Follow These Self-Care Ideas
3. Feeling Dizzy often Might be a Sign of Kidney Disease
That feeling of being dizzy or going to bed on time might not just be because you’ve had a hard day’s work. It could also be a sign of kidney disease.
This happens due to the buildup of impurities and toxins in the blood. It’s also linked to anaemia, which is a decrease in haemoglobin levels. In such a case, you’ll notice persistent fatigue and weakness.
4. Having Trouble Concentrating
If you find it difficult to concentrate, it might also be a sign of kidney disease. This is also linked or associated with anaemia triggered by kidney failure. In this instance, the brain doesn’t get sufficient oxygen, which culminates in concentration problems or memory problems.
5. Changes in Urine Frequency is a Sign
Your urination pattern may also be a sign as to whether your kidney is failing or not. If you have been urinating once in 2 hours but now do so in an hour or less; your kidney may be failing.
The following are some of the changes to take note of:
- You may either feel pressure or have difficulty urinating.
- When you feel the need to urinate often, especially at night.
- You may urinate in greater or lesser amounts than you need to.
6. Check the Nature of the Urine
Pee or urine is meant to foam, but does it foam excessively? There’s a change in the texture or nature whereby your urine either becomes foamy or has more bubbles in it.
Sometimes, such urine takes on the texture of scrambled eggs before frying, implying the presence of an above-normal amount of protein.
Also Read: 10 Foods to Avoid If You Have Kidney Infection
7. What’s Your Appetite Like?
Sickness is not the only cause of decreased appetite. Being at risk of kidney disease can also force the body to have “less interest” in eating more foods.
Poor appetite is commonly caused by the buildup of toxins triggered by a decrease in the kidney’s function.
Other appetite-related changes to keep in mind are:
- Have a foul taste in the mouth anytime you eat.
- Less appetite to eat meat.
8. Itchy and Dry Skin is Another Symptom of Kidney Disease
The state of the skin may also tell you whether the kidney is in good condition or not. Thus, when your skin becomes dry or itchy; it be one of the early signs that you may be suffering from kidney disease.
In case you’re wondering why this is so, here’s why:
- The failure of renal function in the body leads to the accumulation or buildup of toxins or wastes in the blood. This can cause severe itching or foul-smelling skin.
- The skin begins to get dry or itchy when the kidneys are unable to keep the right balance between the nutrients and minerals in the blood.
9. Being Short of Breath is Related to Kidney Disease
People who find it almost extremely difficult to breathe properly might just be at risk of kidney disease. It gives off the feeling of either drowning under a pool of water or trying to catch your breath as though you just completed a marathon.
The shortness of breath, especially after very little effort, is commonly attributed to:
- The absence of oxygen is due to the existence of anaemia, which reduces the supply of oxygen-carrying red blood cells.
- The buildup of extra fluid in the lungs.
10. Swollen or Puffy Face
You can have a puffy or swollen face, which might signify kidney disease. This becomes a cause for concern when there’s persistent puffiness around the eyes.
This condition is called Periorbital Edema, which has to do with the accumulation of fluid in the cells or tissues. In turn, this causes puffiness or swelling around the eyes.
This can happen when the kidneys leak more proteins into the body, rather than retain the same in the body.
Also Read: How Can I Increase Blood Flow to My Penis Using Organic Products
Conclusion
The detection of kidney disease in the early stage is a better way to tackle it and have a feasible, medical solution explored. Do not hesitate to inform your doctor when you notice any of these early signs of kidney disease.
Finally, go for routine tests (even if it’s once annually) to ascertain the state of your kidneys. That way, you’ll understand the likely risks and how best to navigate the curve to beat the disease.
