10 Common Kidney Disease Symptoms to Watch Out For
The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining the body’s overall health. They filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood, regulate blood pressure, and produce hormones that stimulate the production of red blood cells. Unfortunately, kidney disease is a common health condition that affects millions of people around the world. According to the National Kidney Foundation, approximately 37 million Americans have chronic kidney disease, but many are unaware that they have it. In this article, we will discuss ten common kidney disease symptoms to watch out for.
1. Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of kidney disease. When the kidneys are not functioning correctly, they cannot produce enough erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells. This can lead to anemia, a condition that causes fatigue and weakness.
2. Swelling
Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet is a common symptom of kidney disease. When the kidneys cannot eliminate excess fluids from the body, they can build up in different parts of the body, causing swelling.
3. Trouble Sleeping
Kidney disease can cause sleep problems due to increased levels of toxins in the blood that disrupt sleep patterns. Moreover, restless leg syndrome, which is linked to kidney disease, can cause discomfort in the legs, making it hard to sleep.
4. Urinary Problems
Kidney disease can cause a variety of urinary problems, including blood in the urine, frequent urination, and difficulty urinating. In some cases, patients may have strong-smelling urine or need to urinate more frequently during the night.
5. High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common symptom of kidney disease. When the kidneys are not working correctly, they can cause the blood vessels to narrow, leading to higher blood pressure.
6. Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of kidney disease. When the kidneys cannot remove excess fluids and waste products from the body, they can build up in the blood, causing nausea and vomiting.
7. Back Pain
Back pain is a common symptom of kidney disease, particularly when it’s caused by a kidney infection or kidney stones. Patients may experience pain in the back, sides, or abdomen.
8. Skin Rash
Kidney disease can cause a variety of skin conditions, including dry skin, itching, and a rash. These symptoms occur because the kidneys cannot remove toxins and waste products from the blood, leading to skin irritation.
9. Metallic Taste in the Mouth
A metallic taste in the mouth is a common symptom of kidney disease. Patients may experience a persistent metallic taste because the kidneys cannot remove excess toxins from the body.
10. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is a common symptom of kidney disease, particularly when it’s caused by anemia. When the kidneys cannot produce enough erythropoietin, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells to transport oxygen around the body, leading to shortness of breath.
Conclusion
Kidney disease is a significant health concern that affects millions of people around the world. By paying attention to these ten common symptoms, patients can catch kidney disease early on and receive the necessary treatment to manage their condition. If you experience any of these symptoms, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional to determine if you have kidney disease.
