In its early stages, kidney disease is ‘silent’ and typically does not cause symptoms. However, as it progresses, there are certain signs you may begin to notice.
Millions of people worldwide are living with kidney disease, and most of them are unaware of it. There are several physical signs of kidney disease, but they are often attributed to other conditions. Additionally, individuals with kidney disease may not experience symptoms until the disease reaches advanced stages or when there are significant amounts of protein in the urine. While the only definitive way to diagnose kidney disease is through testing, there are potential signs that indicate you should consider assessing your kidney function. In this article, we outline the common signs that suggest you need to evaluate your kidney function.
List of Common Signs of Kidney Problems
Here are some signs and symptoms indicating that your kidneys are not working as well as they should.
- Fatigue
Healthy kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates the production of oxygen-carrying red blood cells. As kidney function declines, the production of EPO decreases. With fewer red blood cells available to transport oxygen, muscles and the brain can become easily fatigued. This condition is known as anaemia, and it can be managed with treatment. - Changes in Urination
Healthy kidneys play a vital role in filtering blood to produce urine. When kidney function is compromised, changes in urine may occur. Common signs related to urination include: - Decreased urine output
- Increased frequency of urination
- Foamy or bubbly urine
- Difficulty or pain during urination
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Difficulty in Sleeping
When the kidneys are not filtering properly, toxins remain in the blood instead of being expelled from the body through urine. This can lead to difficulty sleeping. Additionally, there is a connection between obesity and chronic kidney disease, and individuals with chronic kidney disease are more likely to experience sleep apnoea compared to the general population. - Swelling in Feet and Face
The kidneys play a vital role in regulating fluid balance in the body. If they are not functioning properly, they may fail to remove excess fluid, leading to fluid retention and swelling in various parts of the body. The legs, ankles, feet, and face are the areas most commonly affected by swelling. - Dry and Itchy Skin
Healthy kidneys perform several essential functions, including removing waste and excess fluid from the body, maintaining strong bones, and regulating mineral levels in the blood. Dry and itchy skin can indicate the presence of mineral and bone disease, which often occurs in advanced stages of kidney disease when the kidneys struggle to maintain proper mineral and nutrient balance in the blood. - Shortness of Breath
When your kidneys are not functioning properly, they produce insufficient amounts of a hormone called erythropoietin. This hormone is responsible for signalling your body to produce red blood cells. Without an adequate supply of erythropoietin, you may develop anaemia and experience shortness of breath. Another factor contributing to shortness of breath is fluid retention. Excess fluid buildup can make it difficult to breathe properly. In severe cases, lying down may cause sensations akin to drowning. - Puffiness Around the Eyes
The presence of protein in the urine is an early indication that the filters of the kidneys have sustained damage, enabling protein to seep into the urine. This puffiness around the eyes may result from the kidneys expelling a significant amount of protein in the urine, rather than retaining it in the body. - Muscle Cramps
Experiencing cramps in your legs and elsewhere could indicate poor kidney function. Imbalances in the levels of calcium, sodium, potassium, or other electrolytes can disrupt the functioning of your muscles and nerves. - Dizziness, Fogginess and Loss of Concentration
If your kidneys fail to filter all waste from your body, toxins can affect your brain. Additionally, anaemia can deprive your brain of the necessary oxygen. As a result, you may experience dizziness and have difficulty concentrating and remembering things. In severe cases, you may become confused and struggle with simple tasks. - Back Pain
You might feel pain in the area near your kidneys, which remains constant or intensifies when you move or stretch. The kidneys are situated on either side of your spine in your lower back, and kidney issues can result in discomfort in this region. Back pain could also indicate a kidney infection or blockage, potentially leading to kidney damage
Kidneys filter your blood, removing waste and maintaining your body’s chemical balance. When they fail to function properly, it can result in various issues. Watch out for the signs of kidney damage mentioned above and seek testing promptly if you notice any. A Renal Function Test (RFT) can evaluate kidney function and identify any abnormalities. The RFT test price can vary depending on where you get it done. At Apollo 24|7, the RFT test price is just Rs ₹900.
