7 Common Signs of Kidney Disease
Kidney failure or any related disease is no less than a health crisis. However, it is often under-publicized and most people find themselves caught unaware of the various kidney diseases including kidney failure.
Nevertheless, the spate of Truvada kidney lawsuits in the US underpinned the need for creating more awareness about the disease.
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How Serious Is Kidney Failure In the USA?
Medical reports suggest chronic kidney disease (or CKD) happens to be responsible for more casualties than breast or prostate cancer. As per the CDC, an estimated 37 million Americans are affected; out of which 90% with CKD remain undiagnosed.
Considered to be more common in women than men, this was found to be the 9th leading cause of death in the U.S. The causes range from hereditary, high blood pressure, diabetes, or anything else, medical professionals recommend annual body examination to stay clear off any kidney disease.
However, there are some common signs that if diagnosed at the right time can help find a cure.
Without much ado, let’s find out …
- Lethargic
Exhausted or perpetually tired due to improper functioning of the kidney does no good to your usual energy levels. Generally, kidneys release a hormone – erythropoietin (or EPO) that supports the production of red blood cells carrying oxygen in the body.
A failed kidney does not purify the blood, thus resulting in a build-up of toxins in the body. A severe or prolonged case of kidney disease leaves your muscles and brain de-energized, and acute weakness to perform daily chores.
2. Insomnia
Another common sign that results from kidney disease as the body retains more toxins than usual and paralyzing the normal functions of the body. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) negatively affects the overall health and wellbeing of patients.
A study suggested a strong connection between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and CKD patients as compared to the general population. Unfortunate much but CKD patients are likely to suffer from sleepiness.
3. Acutely Dry & Itchy Skin
Healthy kidneys maintain the right balance of minerals and nutrients in the body. In case of failure or any disease, the skin shows signs of extreme dryness and turns red while scratching.
An international study, involving 3,780 people with non-dialysis stages 3-5 CKD, showed moderate to severe signs of skin itching (Pruritus) among 24% non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.
4. Frequent Urination
Kidneys produce urine, and if filters are not working properly, then the signs will be blatantly visible. They include
- Frequent, and often mid-night visits to urinate.
- Foamy urine
- Urinate more or less than the usual proportion
- Color differences such as pale, brown, etc.
- Unexpected blood ( may also indicate tumor, stones or some other infection)
- Painful urination
5. Swelling or Puffiness
Waking up with puffy eyes is quite common among men and women. But little dow we wonder if the same signs can be linked with kidney problems. A disease-free kidney can make you healthy and fit.
Yes, as the kidneys fail to remove the excess fluid from the body, you may experience swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet.
6. Poor Appetite
This is yet another common sign that often goes unchecked. Having body-toxins locked inside the blood likely to affect your taste buds as well. From losing the food flavor, poor breath to the total loss of appetite, things are never easy for kidney patients.
7. Breath Shortness
Often what looks normal may turn out to be something as severe as kidney failure. Kidney failure builds up waste fluid in the lungs thus reducing the supply of oxygen. In such cases, affected people feel starved of oxygen and may struggle to breathe normally.
Let’s Wrap Up
These are some of the symptoms that have good chances to be ignored or remain understated. But the recent statistics call for prompt attention as studies suggest CKD patients five to ten times more likely to die prematurely than healthy.
Acute kidney failure is hard to predict and may cost you your life too. But keeping a close tab on the unexpected health signals is highly recommended to perform a timely and accurate diagnosis of kidney disease, of any severity level.