6 overlooked signs that may signal kidney disease
Prevention is always better than
cure. But if you fail in preventing the diseases, then early detection will
enable prompt treatment to prevent disease progression. Kidney disease is known as a silent killer as it
usually gets diagnosed at an extremely late stage.
In addition to filtering waste
products from the blood, kidneys also help in regulating blood pressure,
electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production in the body. Several factors
can impair kidney function and eventually lead to chronic kidney disease. Risk
factors of chronic kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure,
cardiovascular disease, smoking, obesity, family history, older age, etc.
Usually, chronic kidney disease may
not become apparent until your kidneys are damaged badly. In the early stages
of the disease, one may experience very few signs or symptoms. But people tend
to overlook them. Below are 6 signs that you must not ignore:
Changes in the Urinary Function
A change in the amount and frequency
of the urine you pass may be a sign that your kidneys are in danger. Other
changes in your urinary function that may indicate kidney disease are:
- Your urine colour becoming darker than usual
- You feel the urge to urinate but unable to do so
- You’re waking up frequently at night to pee
- Excessive frothing in urine: It may result from leakage of protein in urine is a sign of damage to the filter of the kidneys.
- Change in the odour of your urine
Difficulty
Or Pain While Urinating
Difficulty or pain while emptying
the bladder may be caused by a urinary tract infection. If it you have fever and
back pain too, it is a possible sign that the infection has spread to your
kidneys.
Blood
In The Urine
If you notice blood in your urine,
visit a doctor immediately. This is an early sign of kidney disease and you
should not ignore it. Blood in urine may results from urinary infections or
stones both of which can cause damage to the kidneys. Injury to the kidney
filter, a condition known as glomerulonephritis, may also cause blood in your
urine.
Swelling
Or Edema
If your kidneys are not functioning
properly, wastes can build up in your body. Swelling of the feet, ankles, puffiness of the
face and tightness of the hands can occur when the kidneys are unable to get
rid of excess water and salts from the body. Watch out for these signs so that
necessary treatment can be started.
Extreme
Fatigue, Anaemia
Your kidneys produce a hormone
called erythropoietin that helps red blood cells carry oxygen. If your kidney
function is impaired, the levels of this hormone drop drastically. This causes
anaemia which in turn leads to weakness and extreme fatigue.
Pain
in the Lumbar Region
The kidneys are located in the back
of your abdomen just below the ribs on each side. Pain in this region, which is
called the lumbar region, may result from stone or kidney disease. If you feel
severe and sudden pain in this region, which is accompanied by feeling of
vomiting and occasional burning in urine, you should see a urologist.