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Warning signs of kidney impairment

Woman in red sportswear holding her stomach, expressing discomfort, a warning of possible kidney issues.
Rithika Rajgopal
Oct 07, 2022
3 minutes

Kidney disease rarely presents any signs in the early stages. It must be at a relatively advanced stage before any of the below symptoms appear. The earliest sign of kidney disease is an atypical level of creatinine or urea in your blood. A simple blood test allows your doctor to detect creatinine in your blood. 

Fatigue
One common tipoff of kidney trouble is fatigue.
Kidneys filter waste from your blood and ship it out in your pee. 
When your kidneys don’t work right, toxins can build up. 
A secondary function of your kidneys is to help make red blood cells that carry oxygen all around your body. 
A decrease in the red blood cells (anemia) can cause tiredness, decreased stamina etc. 

Elderly person in a white sleeveless top scratching arm, showing skin irritation, a sign of kidney failure-related itching.

Itchy skin/ rash
Kidneys remove wastes from the bloodstream. 
When the kidneys fail, the build-up of wastes in your blood can cause severe itching

Foul breath
As your kidney function declines, wastes will build up in your blood. 
This is called uremia. Uremia can lead to a metal-like taste in your mouth and bad breath.

Vector image of a woman with loss of appetite, sitting at a table, uninterested in her plate of food.

Nausea & Loss of Appetite​
Vomiting can occur when metabolic waste builds up in your blood, but people may feel nauseated at even the thought of eating.  This may lead to a loss of appetite, and weight loss.​

Shortness of breath
Being short of breath can be related to the kidneys in two ways. 
First, extra fluid in the body can build up in the lungs. 
And second, anemia (a shortage of oxygen-carrying red blood cells) can leave your body oxygen-starved and short of breath.

Health professional with glasses, mask, and gloves holding a urine sample, checking for signs of blood leakage due to faulty kidneys.

Blood in urine
Faulty kidney function also may let blood leak into your bladder. 
Blood in your urine also can be caused by kidney stones, tumors, or an infection.

Swelling of hands or feet
Failing kidneys don't remove extra fluid, which builds up in your body causing swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, and/or hands.

A man in a suit yawning at his desk, a sign of anemia linked to kidney failure, causing low oxygen levels in the brain.

Trouble thinking clearly
Anemia related to kidney failure means that your brain is not getting enough oxygen. 
This can lead to memory problems or trouble with concentration.

Bare feet on a weight scale on a tiled floor, next to a pink mat, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy weight.

How to prevent Kidney Problems
Kidney disease can often be prevented! These are a few steps how.
*Eat a diet low in sodium and fats.
*Be active and maintain a healthy weight.
*Keep a healthy blood sugar level.
*Limit intake of alcohol and tobacco.
*Get enough of restful sleep.
*Keep stress under control.
*Keep your blood pressure under control.
*Take your medicines, if any, as prescribed.
*Regularly get your health checked by your doctor

Disclaimer: The advice provided is intended for informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.  Consult with your doctor if you’re seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. ​

 

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