Kidney Damage Is Silent Until It’s Permanent: 7 Red Flags You Must Not Ignore

7 red flags of kidney damage you must not ignore

Kidneys filter about half a cup of blood per minute, removing wastes and extra water to make urine. The organ is one of the most vital ones in the human body that also performs other functions such as removing acid, maintaining a balance of water, salts and minerals and making hormones. Despite this importance, people don’t care for their kidneys the way they require. This leads to the fact that about 35.5 million U.S. adults are estimated to have kidney disease, whose signs are typically silent. Below, find 7 red flags that signal the presence of a kidney disease.

Bubbly urine

One of the simplest signs of kidney damage is changes in urination. The urine may appear foamy or bubbly, and its frequency, colour, and amount may change, and some blood may be spotted.

Swelling

According to the National Kidney Foundation, people with kidney damage can experience puffiness around the eyes due to the kidneys leaking large amounts of protein in the urine. Additionally, damaged kidney function can lead to sodium retention, leading to swelling in the feet and ankles.

Fatigue

Loss of kidney function can lead to the buildup of toxins and impurities in the blood. It can also lead to anaemia, where the number of red blood cells is lowered. Both of these conditions can make people feel tired, weak and fatigued.

Constant pruritus

Advanced kidney diseases are typically accompanied by mineral and bone disease that are presented by the body in the form of dry and itchy skin. While the former is caused by a shrinking of sweat glands, the latter is caused by the body attacking itself and becoming inflamed and itchy.

Uremia

Due to a decrease in kidney function, blood is not filtered, and waste gets stored in it. This can make food taste different and lead to problems such as bad breath.

Shortness of breath

Kidneys, when damaged, are unable to process the excess fluid and excrete it, which leads to the accumulation of the fluid in the lungs. This, when combined with anaemia, can cause shortness of breath.

Muscle cramps

Impaired kidney function can lead to electrolyte imbalances in the body. Thus, situations such as low calcium levels and poorly controlled phosphorus can lead to cramps in the muscles.

What to do if you notice these red flags

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, especially if you have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, see a kidney specialist (nephrologist) immediately. Your doctor may recommend blood and urine tests (like creatinine, GFR, and ACR) and possibly imaging tests (like ultrasound or CT scans) to assess your kidney function. Adopt a kidney-friendly lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and staying hydrated

Times of India