7 Signs That Alert You To Kidney Disease

Even if we do not necessarily make the connection between all these signs, if we suffer from several of these symptoms, it is best to consult a specialist for that he does us relevant examinations and that he rules out a kidney problem.

The kidneys are the organs that are found in the posterior part of the abdomen, parallel to the spine.

Their proper functioning plays a very important role in the health of human beings as they are responsible for poor control of electrolyte levels, blood pressure and fluids, among others.

Just as it happens in other systems of the body, the kidneys have a continuous risk of suffering from infections and other types of diseases.

Although kidney problems are not very common, the problem is that they don’t show symptoms in the early stages and are very difficult to diagnose.

The only way to accurately identify them is with medical blood and urine tests.

However, there are certain physical signals that could also help suspect the development of an abnormality.

In this article, we want to share with you the 7 most common signals so that you no longer hesitate to see a doctor if you suffer from it.

1. Excessive fatigue

Chronic fatigue is the result of the blood having difficulty transporting oxygen to the body’s cells when it develops a kidney problem.

The kidneys are linked to the production of red blood cells and their deterioration prevents them from producing them in adequate quantities.

2. Itching on the skin

Thanks to the kidneys, a large part of the toxins in the blood are expelled from the body through the urine.

If these organs function poorly, the waste is retained in the tissues. And it is common to feel itchy or tingling under the skin. 

3. Edemas

Fluid retention or edema are among the most common symptoms of kidney disease.

Although many factors influence their occurrence, kidney failure is one of the main causes.

These organs control the water and sodium levels in the body, and poor functioning prevents their balance.

This symptom can also occur when there is a great loss of protein in the urine, a condition called nephrotic syndrome.

Inflammation tends to be concentrated in the feet and calves. Although sometimes it takes place in the arms, face and other parts of the body.

4. Anemia

Symptoms of anemia in patients are an indicator of kidney disease at a very advanced and severe level.

These organs are responsible for producing a hormone called erythropoietin, which is believed to stimulate the bone marrow to produce blood cells.

Since their function is at a severe stage of renal failure, their level significantly decreases and produces chronic symptoms of anemia.

5. Back pain

Pain in the lower back and sides of the body can signal possible kidney disease. Especially in elderly patients.

While this is not a very common symptom, it can occur when there are stones in the kidneys or urinary tract.

In these cases, the pain is often severe and tends to be accompanied by other symptoms. For example, difficulty passing urine or a burning sensation.

It is important to distinguish this pain from that produced by the muscles, especially since it can be key in the correct detection of a serious disease.

6. Changes in urine

Knowing how to distinguish urine from healthy kidneys is key to being able to detect the warning signs of kidney problems. 

When these organs develop a lack, the following problems develop:

• More urge to urinate in the middle of the night.
• Urine that looks spongy or sparkling.
• Urine with a foul odor or dark color.
• More urine, too pale in color.
• Difficulty urinating more than four times a day.
• Urinary incontinence.
• The presence of blood in the urine.

7. Bad breath

The ammonia breath and metallic taste in the mouth can take place due to the build up of toxins in the blood due to kidney failure.

This uncomfortable symptom is difficult to control, even with good oral hygiene habits.

Even though all of the symptoms mentioned can be due to many causes, it is always best to consider a possible kidney problem.

See a doctor if in doubt and ask to have the necessary tests done to check that everything is okay.