Some people with kidney disease may attribute the signs and symptoms they are having to other health issues, and that’s why they may fail to get the appropriate treatment. There are instances, too, when the indicators show up only when the late stages of kidney disease strike, and the kidneys are already failing to work. In fact, experts say that only about 10 percent of individuals with kidney disease are aware that they have it.
The only way to tell whether or not you have kidney disease is to get examined by a doctor. Below you will find some of the most common signs and symptoms of kidney disease. Knowing what they are is one of the smartest moves you may take, especially if you are at risk of having the health problem due to high blood pressure, diabetes, being 60 years and older, and having a family history of kidney disease. Read on!
You Have Fatigue and Trouble Concentrating
Because the purification of the blood is one of the many functions of your kidneys, having kidney disease may cause the accumulation of poisonous substances in your bloodstream. This is the reason why you may always feel tired when you have a problem with your kidneys. Excess toxins in the blood may also make it hard to concentrate.
You Have a Hard Time Getting to Sleep
It’s not just your energy levels and cognitive functioning that are affected by having lots of impurities in the bloodstream, but your sleeping habits too. Having kidney disease may keep you from getting a good night’s sleep. Also, medical experts say that sleep apnea, a very common sleep saboteur, is usually found in people suffering from kidney disease.
You Have Anemia
Did you know that your kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin or EPO? This chemical is the one that signals the bone marrow to create more red blood cells. Naturally, kidneys that are not working optimally fail to produce enough EPO. It’s exactly due to this why someone with kidney disease may suffer from anemia too.
You Have Skin That’s Dry and Itchy
The proper balance of minerals in your blood is also regulated by those pair of bean-shaped organs of yours. That is why you may have skin issues such as dryness and itchiness if the amount of minerals as well as other nutrients coursing through your bloodstream is out of whack.
You Have the Urge to Pee More Often Than Usual
Do you find yourself stepping foot in the bathroom several times per hour to urinate? You may be suffering from kidney disease. This doesn’t come as a surprise because your kidneys are not working properly, causing them to produce more urine than normal. However, it may also be due to other issues like prostrate enlargement and UTIs.
You Have Urine That Doesn’t Look Normal
There are many things that the kidneys keep from escaping your body through the urine, and one of them is your blood. Needless to say, you need to consult a kidney specialist if you notice blood in your pee. Urine that’s foamy isn’t normal too. It is a sign that there is excessive amount of protein present in the urine.
You Have Swelling in Certain Areas of the Body
It’s not unlikely for you to have swollen feet and ankles because your body tends to retain a lot of sodium when your kidneys are not in good shape. As you may already know, sodium attracts lots of water. Kidney disease may also leave your eyes puffy because of the fact that your kidneys are permitting lots of protein to escape your body.
You Have Muscle Cramps
As mentioned earlier, imbalance of minerals is one of the results of having kidney disease. Some of the minerals that become depleted are calcium and phosphorous, both of which are electrolytes. Without enough electrolytes in your body, muscle cramps are experienced.
